The third leg of the LPL cricket tournament will commence on December 17 at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
“This is the first time the Lanka Premier League is being held at three venues. The first leg and second leg were conducted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Now, we are ready to move to Colombo,” said Samantha Dodanwela, the LPL Tournament Director.
“We held the first LPL tournament only at Hambantota, whereas for the second edition, we used two venues: Hambantota and Colombo. Holding the third edition at three venues is a new experience and it’s a big challenge,” said Dodanwela.
“We organised this LPL last time during the pandemic period; it was a big challenge, but it was successful. Now, we have finished the second stage of the tournament. Our players already gained good experience during their matches. Playing with foreign players is more important for local players as they can exchange their views. Mickey Arthur, the former National coach who is the head coach of Dambulla Aura, and former Pakistani wicket-keeper Moin Khan, who is the head coach of Galle Gladiators, add more value to the tournament,” he added.
Carlos Brathwaite of West Indies, who plays for the Kandy Falcons, is the highest wicket-taker, while Avishka Fernando of Jaffna Kings is leading among the batsmen.
Kandy Falcons led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Jaffna Kings led by Thisara Perera are in the first and second places, while Colombo Stars led by Angelo Mathews and Galle Gladiators led by Kusal Mendis are in the third and fourth places. Dambulla Aura led by Dasun Shanaka has been unable to win a single game so far and is in fifth place.
The LPG Group has organised this LPL tournament together with SLC, under the guidance of LPG Chairman Anil Monan and SLC Chairman Shammi Silva. The grand closing ceremony of the LPL will be held on December 23rd.