The 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) begins today (17) with a spectacular opening ceremony and the tournament’s first match at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, marking the start of the sixth edition of Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 competition.
The opening fixture will see the Jaffna Kings take on the Galle Gallants, with the match scheduled to begin at 7.45 PM Gates will open to spectators at 5.00 PM., while the opening ceremony is set to commence at 6.15 PM.
Organisers have planned a star-studded opening ceremony featuring a blend of cricket, entertainment and technology. The event will include live performances by popular Sri Lankan artistes Yohani, Sanka Dineth and Centigradz, alongside the official tournament opening, team introductions, trophy unveiling and a spectacular 500-drone light show.
The drone display is expected to illuminate the Colombo skyline with LPL-themed visuals, cricket-inspired animations, national symbols and franchise branding, creating one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.
The tournament will officially be declared open by LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela, followed by the unveiling of the championship trophy and the introduction of the five competing franchises.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, IPG Founder and Chairperson Anil Mohan said LPL 2026 aims to deliver more than just cricket by offering fans a complete entertainment experience that combines sport, music and technology.
Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela said the opening ceremony has been designed to celebrate the growing stature of the Lanka Premier League while bringing players, franchises and fans together ahead of the competition.
The 2026 Lanka Premier League will be played across 24 matches at four venues—SSC Colombo, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
The tournament will play until August 8, featuring five franchises representing Colombo, Jaffna, Galle, Dambulla and Kandy alongside Sri Lanka’s leading cricketers and several international T20 stars.
