Indian consortium acquires Colombo franchise
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has expanded its international footprint with the entry of Indian sports consortium Witness Sports Alliance LLC, which has officially acquired the Colombo franchise ahead of the 2025 season. The ownership group, led by Indian entrepreneurs Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, brings experience from India’s regional T20 ecosystem, marking a new phase of collaboration between the cricket markets of India and Sri Lanka.
“The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has welcomed Indian sports consortium Witness Sports Alliance LLC, led by Indian entrepreneurs Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, into its fold ahead of Season 6. The consortium has acquired the franchise based in the rich, vibrant, and iconic Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, unveiling a refreshed identity as the Colombo Kaps,” an official press release stated.
The franchise, previously known as Colombo Strikers, will now operate as Colombo Kaps, reflecting a broader branding overhaul designed to align with the league’s global aspirations.
Expanding investment and league stature
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) formally welcomed the new investors through an official statement from Samantha Dodanwela, Director of Sri Lanka Cricket, who emphasized the LPL’s continued commercial momentum and global appeal.
“We are delighted to welcome Witness Sports Alliance LLC to the Lanka Premier League family. Their entry reaffirms the LPL’s position as a competitive and commercially attractive league that continues to bring together global investors and top cricketing talent. With the Colombo Kaps, we look forward to a new chapter of growth and innovation for the league,” said Samantha Dodanwela.
With this acquisition, the LPL continues its trajectory as one of Asia’s faster-growing T20 leagues. The 2025 edition — scheduled from December 1 to 23, 2025 — will feature a record 24 matches across Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla, offering fans the longest and most competitive season in the tournament’s history.
Experience with regional leagues
Palaniswamy and Kangayan have built roots in India’s domestic leagues — Palaniswamy as a business leader and investor, and Kangayan as the former CEO and Executive Director of the Ruby Trichy Warriors in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Together, they also co-own the Ruby White Town Legends in the Pondicherry Premier League (PPL).
Reflecting on their expansion into Sri Lanka, Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, Directors of Witness Sports Alliance LLC, outlined their ambitions for the team and the league.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Sri Lankan cricket. The Lanka Premier League has emerged as a vibrant platform that connects regional cricketing talent with global audiences. Through the Colombo Kaps, our goal is to contribute to the league’s long-term success by building a competitive, fan-focused, and professionally managed franchise,” they said in an official statement.
Next steps
The Colombo Kaps are expected to unveil their new logo, jersey, and player signings in the coming weeks, setting the stage for what both the league and investors describe as the most ambitious LPL season to date.
