The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 is set to begin on July 17 with a rematch of the 2024 final between reigning champions Jaffna and runners-up Galle.
The opening match will be played at the SSC Ground in Colombo under lights, with the game scheduled to begin at 7.30 p.m.
The 2026 edition of the tournament will run from July 17 to August 8, with a reserve day scheduled for the final on August 9.
Matches will be played across four venues — the SSC, Rangiri Dambulla, Pallekele, and the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
The SSC will host the first five matches of the tournament from July 17 to 19 before the competition moves to Dambulla and Kandy. The knockout stage and final will later return to Colombo at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
This season’s competition will feature five teams representing Jaffna, Colombo, Kandy, Galle and Dambulla. However, the official franchise names and ownership details are yet to be confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Meanwhile, the overseas player registration portal, which opened on May 8, will remain active until May 20. Direct player signings can be completed until May 22.
Unlike the previous two editions, which were conducted through auctions, the 2026 season will return to a player draft system, with the draft scheduled to take place on June 1.
