Lanka Premier League Draft: All you need to know

The twice-postponed draft for the Lanka Premier League is due to take place on October 19

Lanka Premier League squads 2020: Click here

What is it?

The player draft for the Lanka Premier League, a new T20 franchise league in Sri Lanka.

Anil Mohan, chief executive of rights holders IPG said: “LPL gives us an opportunity to provide the cricket-loving nation a T20 extravaganza to look forward to. Sri Lankan cricket fans are extremely passionate about the game, and it gives me tremendous joy and happiness that IPG got the mandate to conduct the League here. 

“The Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) board has been extremely helpful and I look forward to their unending co-operation and support to make this League a grand success. We are committed to create a world-class league with LPL."

Ravin Wickramaratne, SLC vice-president, added: “The tournament will not only create a platform for local players to develop their skills by playing alongside world-class players but will also provide an opportunity for Sri Lankan cricket fans to watch a quality cricket tournament.”

When is it?

The draft is due to take place on October 19, having already been postponed twice. It was initially due to take place on October 1, before being pushed back to October 9. However, a rise in coronavirus cases in the country forced the latest postponement.

The competition’s scheduled start date has also been shifted from November 14 to November 21 due to the compulsory 14-day quarantine period that any overseas player entering the country will be forced to undergo ahead of the tournament. Originally, it was arranged to begin in August.

Where is it?

The tournament is due to take place at two grounds: Kandy and Hambantota, with all 23 matches – played by five teams – set to be played at the pair of venues. Every side will play each other twice in a double-round-robin phase, before a playoff stage.

Who will be involved?

The list of players taking part in the draft has not yet been released, but – according to tournament director Wickramaratne – it might not include Bangladesh players due to a clash with their domestic calendar.

Likewise, Sri Lanka’s strict quarantine protocols has reportedly dissuaded some potential overseas players from entering the draft.

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