Lanka Premier League 2026 overview
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League marks the return of Sri Lanka's premier franchise competition following the postponement of the 2025 season. Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings will attempt to win another title, but every franchise has strengthened considerably during the player draft.
International stars including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Moeen Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rassie van der Dussen, Ben McDermott and Vijay Shankar headline one of the strongest overseas contingents in tournament history.
- Tournament: Lanka Premier League 2026
- Format: T20
- Start date: 17 July 2026
- Final date: 8 August 2026
- Host country: Sri Lanka
- Number of teams: 5
- Total matches: 24
Lanka Premier League 2026 schedule
Below is the complete LPL 2026 fixture list. Prediction pages will be linked as they go live.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Jul 2026 | Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 18 Jul 2026 | Kandy Royals vs Dambulla Sixers | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 18 Jul 2026 | Galle Gallants vs Colombo Kaps | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 19 Jul 2026 | Dambulla Sixers vs Jaffna Kings | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 19 Jul 2026 | Colombo Kaps vs Kandy Royals | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 21 Jul 2026 | Dambulla Sixers vs Kandy Royals | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 22 Jul 2026 | Jaffna Kings vs Colombo Kaps | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 22 Jul 2026 | Dambulla Sixers vs Galle Gallants | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 23 Jul 2026 | Kandy Royals vs Colombo Kaps | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 23 Jul 2026 | Galle Gallants vs Jaffna Kings | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 25 Jul 2026 | Galle Gallants vs Kandy Royals | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 25 Jul 2026 | Dambulla Sixers vs Colombo Kaps | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 26 Jul 2026 | Kandy Royals vs Jaffna Kings | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 26 Jul 2026 | Galle Gallants vs Dambulla Sixers | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 28 Jul 2026 | Colombo Kaps vs Jaffna Kings | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| 29 Jul 2026 | Galle Gallants vs Kandy Royals | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| 29 Jul 2026 | Colombo Kaps vs Dambulla Sixers | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| 30 Jul 2026 | Jaffna Kings vs Kandy Royals | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| 1 Aug 2026 | Colombo Kaps vs Galle Gallants | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| 2 Aug 2026 | Jaffna Kings vs Dambulla Sixers | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| 5 Aug 2026 | Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd) | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 5 Aug 2026 | Eliminator (3rd vs 4th) | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 7 Aug 2026 | Qualifier 2 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 8 Aug 2026 | Final | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
Teams in Lanka Premier League 2026
Five franchises will compete for the 2026 title.
- SC Jaffna Kings
- Colombo Kaps
- Kandy Royals
- Galle Gallants
- Dambulla Sixers
Several franchises enter the season under new ownership and branding, making this one of the freshest editions of the competition.
Lanka Premier League 2026 venues
Matches will be played across three major cricket venues in Sri Lanka.
- R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo
- Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium – Dambulla
- Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Kandy
Each venue offers different conditions. Colombo generally produces high-scoring contests, Dambulla often provides assistance for spinners, while Pallekele is known for its excellent batting surface and quick outfield.
Lanka Premier League 2026 match predictions
Criclines will publish expert predictions and betting tips for every LPL fixture throughout the tournament.
Each preview will include:
- Match winner prediction
- Best betting tips
- Pitch report
- Weather forecast
- Probable playing XI
- Top batter prediction
- Top bowler prediction
- Fantasy cricket picks
- Player performance markets
The introduction of the Impact Player rule should create additional tactical opportunities, making team news even more important before every match.
Best betting tips for Lanka Premier League 2026
The LPL consistently provides excellent betting opportunities thanks to its attacking style of cricket.
Some useful betting strategies include:
- Focus on top-order batters at batting-friendly venues.
- Monitor overseas player availability before placing bets.
- Wait for confirmed playing XIs, especially with the new Impact Player rule.
- Consider top bowler markets when matches are played on slower pitches.
- Compare bookmaker odds after the toss for maximum value.
Tournament outrights can also offer excellent value before the opening match, particularly with several evenly matched squads.
Players to watch in Lanka Premier League 2026
Some of the biggest names in franchise cricket will feature this season.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Kandy Royals) – Sri Lanka's premier T20 all-rounder and one of the favourites for Player of the Tournament.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Kandy Royals) – Making his LPL debut and expected to lead one of the strongest pace attacks.
- Shakib Al Hasan (SC Jaffna Kings) – Vast franchise experience and a proven match-winner with both bat and ball.
- Kamindu Mendis (Colombo Kaps) – One of Sri Lanka's most consistent batters across all formats.
- Charith Asalanka (Galle Gallants) – Capable of changing games with aggressive middle-order batting.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Kandy Royals) – One of the most explosive opening batters in T20 cricket.
Who will win Lanka Premier League 2026?
This could be the most competitive LPL season to date.
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings once again possess an excellent squad, but Kandy Royals have assembled arguably the strongest roster in the competition. With Wanindu Hasaranga, Moeen Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Perera and Vijay Shankar, they have quality in every department.
Colombo Kaps also appear capable of challenging deep into the tournament thanks to a balanced squad featuring Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Jimmy Neesham and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Criclines Outright Prediction: Kandy Royals to win Lanka Premier League 2026.
Lanka Premier League 2026 latest updates
- LPL returns after the postponement of the 2025 edition.
- Two new rules introduced: Impact Player and mandatory Under-23 player.
- Four franchises begin the season under new ownership and branding.
- Criclines will publish predictions and betting tips for every match.
Bet on Lanka Premier League 2026 today
Looking for today's best LPL betting opportunities? Criclines provides expert match predictions, betting tips, fantasy picks, pitch reports, and player markets throughout the tournament.
Check the latest Lanka Premier League odds
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