Lanka Premier League 2026 Schedule Starts With Jaffna Kings Vs Galle Gallants And Kandy Royals Meeting Dambulla Sixers

The Lanka Premier League 2026 will run from July 17 to August 8, with the sixth edition opening at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground. Defending champions Jaffna Kings face Galle Gallants in the first match, while Kandy Royals meet Dambulla Sixers in another key early fixture.

Sri Lanka Cricket and IPG Group have set a schedule that brings six franchises into a double round-robin league before the playoffs in Colombo. The tournament will feature a wide international mix, with more than 650 overseas registrations from 21 countries ahead of the player selection process.

Top names in the Lanka Premier League 2026 season

Kandy Royals will be led by Indian international Vijay Shankar and England white-ball player Moeen Ali, alongside Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga. Jaffna Kings keep a strong core with Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage, making both squads central to the title race.

Other players in the league include James Neesham, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The season will also include several young Sri Lankan players, as the league continues to mix established names with emerging talent.

Key dates and playoff schedule

The top four teams will go to the playoffs in Colombo. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are on August 5, Qualifier 2 is on August 7, and the final is on August 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. All three knockout stages are evening matches, except Qualifier 1.

The league also has a stronger Sinhala-language commentary push and wider regional fan plans this season. IPG Group founder and CEO Mr Anil Mohan Sankhdhar said the focus remains on a world-class cricket product and closer links with fans across Sri Lanka and the region.