LPL 2021: Second Edition Of The Lanka Premier League To Begin From 30th July

The second edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) will be held from July 30 to August 22 this year, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the news on Wednesday (May 12).

The inaugural season of the LPL, which is now Sri Lanka’s major T20 league involving international players was staged last year in November-December. Jaffna Stallions, led by former all-rounder Thisara Perera, defeated Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s Galle Gladiators in the final to be crowned the inaugural champions.

All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was named the Man of the Tournament for taking 17 wickets – the highest of the season.

The LPL 2020, which was played entirely at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota, was successfully completed with players and staff of all 5 teams operating in the bio-bubble.

‘’We have found a suitable window to hold this year’s edition, whilst we are currently working on finalizing the other details of the tournament,’’ said Professor Arjuna De Silva, Chairman, Management Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, in a statement released by the board.

“The first edition was held under a successful Bio-Bubble environment, whilst Sri Lanka Cricket will assess the country’s situation and discuss with the Ministry of Health closer to the tournament to ascertain the health situation in the country prior to taking a final decision on the competition,” the statement added.

LPL 2020 conducted smoothly; IPL 2021, PSL 2021 bio-bubble breached

While the LPL 2020 was conducted smoothly despite the covid-19 crisis, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, the two premier T20 leagues in Pakistan and India respectively, had to be paused mid-season as franchises reported covid-19 cases.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to resume the PSL 2021 in June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is eyeing the window pre or post the T20 World Cup to complete the IPL 2021, otherwise, they the board would have to incur losses amounting to INR 2500 crore.

As far as the Sri Lankan national side is concerned, they will be touring Bangladesh for 3 ODIs, having won the Test series. Kusal Perera has been named the new captain of the ODI side for the, while Kusal Mendis is named vice-captain.

Also Read: Jofra Archer To Make His Comeback Through County Championship, Named In The 13-Man Sussex Squad Against Kent