The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 is set to return with another exciting season as Sri Lanka Cricket officially confirmed the fixtures for the tournament’s sixth edition. Scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8, 2026, the competition will feature five franchises battling across a double round-robin league stage before the playoffs in Colombo.
The tournament gets underway at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo, where defending champions Jaffna Kings take on Galle Gallants in the opening fixture. Captained by Bhanuka Rajapaksa and strengthened by Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Jaffna Kings begin their title defence against Dasun Shanaka’s Galle Gallants.
Another highly anticipated clash follows on July 18, when Vijay Shankar and Moeen Ali lead Kandy Royals against Dambulla Sixers, setting the tone for an action-packed opening weekend.
🏏 Lanka Premier League 2026 – Tournament Overview
| 📌 Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Lanka Premier League 2026 |
| Edition | 6th |
| Dates | July 17 – August 8, 2026 |
| Teams | 5 |
| League Format | Double Round Robin |
| Opening Match | Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants |
| Final Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Final Date | August 8, 2026 |
⭐ Star-Studded Player Line-up
LPL 2026 boasts one of the strongest squads in the tournament’s history, combining international stars with Sri Lanka’s leading cricketers.
Kandy Royals
- 🏏 Vijay Shankar
- 🏏 Moeen Ali
- 🏏 Angelo Mathews
- 🏏 Wanindu Hasaranga
Jaffna Kings
- 🏏 Shakib Al Hasan
- 🏏 Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- 🏏 Taskin Ahmed
- 🏏 Dunith Wellalage
Fans can also look forward to watching James Neesham, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, along with several emerging Sri Lankan talents throughout the competition.
🌍 LPL’s Global Growth Continues
The Lanka Premier League continues to expand its international appeal. Ahead of the player selection process, the league received more than 650 overseas registrations from 21 countries, highlighting its growing reputation among international cricketers.
At the same time, the organisers are strengthening local engagement by expanding Sinhala-language commentary and introducing additional regional fan engagement initiatives to connect more closely with cricket supporters across Sri Lanka.
Speaking about the tournament’s growth, Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of IPG Group, said the league remains committed to delivering a world-class cricket product while strengthening its connection with fans across Sri Lanka and the region.
📅 Opening Week Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 17 | Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants | Colombo |
| July 18 | Kandy Royals vs Dambulla Sixers | Colombo |
| July 18 | Galle Gallants vs Colombo Kaps | Colombo |
| July 19 | Dambulla Sixers vs Jaffna Kings | Colombo |
| July 19 | Colombo Kaps vs Kandy Royals | Colombo |
Among the marquee fixtures during the league stage are two meetings between Kandy Royals and Jaffna Kings within five days, featuring several of the tournament’s biggest stars, including Shankar, Moeen Ali, Hasaranga, and Shakib Al Hasan.
Other notable encounters include:
- ⭐ Colombo Kaps vs Kandy Royals
- ⭐ Dambulla Sixers vs Jaffna Kings
- ⭐ Galle Gallants vs Kandy Royals
- ⭐ Colombo Kaps vs Galle Gallants
🏆 Playoff Schedule
The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, all of which will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
| Stage | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | August 5 | 3:00 PM |
| Eliminator | August 5 | 7:30 PM |
| Qualifier 2 | August 7 | 7:30 PM |
| Final | August 8 | 7:30 PM |
📋 Complete Lanka Premier League 2026 Fixtures
- July 17: Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants – Colombo
- July 18: Kandy Royals vs Dambulla Sixers – Colombo
- July 18: Galle Gallants vs Colombo Kaps – Colombo
- July 19: Dambulla Sixers vs Jaffna Kings – Colombo
- July 19: Colombo Kaps vs Kandy Royals – Colombo
- July 21: Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals – Dambulla
- July 22: Jaffna Kings vs Colombo Kaps – Dambulla
- July 22: Dambulla Sixers vs Galle Gallants – Dambulla
- July 23: Kandy Royals vs Colombo Kaps – Dambulla
- July 23: Galle Gallants vs Jaffna Kings – Dambulla
- July 25: Galle Gallants vs Kandy Royals – Dambulla
- July 25: Dambulla Sixers vs Colombo Kaps – Dambulla
- July 26: Kandy Royals vs Jaffna Kings – Dambulla
- July 26: Galle Gallants vs Dambulla Sixers – Dambulla
- July 28: Colombo Kaps vs Jaffna Kings – Kandy
- July 29: Galle Gallants vs Kandy Royals – Kandy
- July 29: Colombo Kaps vs Dambulla Sixers – Kandy
- July 30: Jaffna Kings vs Kandy Royals – Kandy
- August 1: Colombo Kaps vs Galle Gallants – Kandy
- August 2: Jaffna Kings vs Dambulla Sixers – Kandy
Final Word
With a world-class player roster, expanded Sinhala commentary, increased international participation, and three weeks of high-quality T20 cricket, the Lanka Premier League 2026 promises to be one of the tournament’s strongest editions. Cricket fans can expect thrilling contests from the opening match on July 17 through to the grand final at R. Premadasa Stadium on August 8.
