The Lanka Premier League will return for its sixth season from July 10 to August 5, 2026. The big news is the expansion to six teams, adding a new franchise to the existing Colombo, Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna, and Kandy sides.
Organisers say this move will bring more games and more star players. It also gives young Sri Lankan players a larger stage to prove themselves. The LPL has grown steadily since 2020 and has become a strong regional league, especially with Jaffna winning four of the first five titles.
Chris Gayle has been announced as the brand ambassador. His presence matches the league’s new vision of being bigger, bolder and better. Fans can expect more noise, more power hitting and a stronger global pull.
Sri Lanka Cricket and the IPG Group continue to run the event together. They believe the new team and fixed July to August window will help the LPL stand out during a busy year of T20 cricket. They also hope it will attract more investment and give the tournament a firm spot on the world calendar.
League officials said the LPL has always carried the passion and entertainment of Sri Lankan cricket. One organiser said the 2026 edition will be the biggest yet and the mid year window is perfect to ride the T20 buzz in the country. He added that fans can expect an exciting run of games.
IPG leaders also said they want the LPL to be a benchmark for franchise cricket in the region. They explained that the league aims to keep improving in broadcast quality, marketing, and match operations. With six teams now involved, they expect better competition and a stronger fan experience.