Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially postponed the 2025 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), citing the urgent need to focus on stadium readiness ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host with India.
The decision marks a strategic shift in priorities, as the island nation gears up to stage one of cricket’s most high-profile global events early next year.
T20 World Cup preparations take precedence
Sri Lanka will share hosting duties with India for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for February–March, and with only a few months to go, the SLC has opted to shelve the upcoming LPL season to fast-track venue enhancements.
“As per the guidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC), all host venues for the upcoming 20-team event must be in perfect condition to meet the demands of a major international competition,” the SLC stated, explaining that the postponement will allow the board to prioritise comprehensive venue readiness.
The sixth edition of the LPL had been set to begin on December 1, featuring 24 matches across Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla, with five franchises slated to compete. However, the tournament will now be moved to a new window.
“Accordingly, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to shift the 2025 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) to a more suitable window, allowing full focus on ensuring comprehensive venue readiness ahead of the World Cup.”
Infrastructure upgrades across key venues
SLC has begun renovation work at three major international venues to meet the ICC’s hosting standards. These upgrades are not limited to just cosmetic changes but include a wide range of structural and technological improvements.
“Enhance and upgrade spectator stands. Improve and modernise facilities for players, including dressing rooms and training areas. Upgrade and refurbish international broadcast facilities.”
“Uplift media centre infrastructure to accommodate the needs of global media coverage. Upgrade general venue requirements for such a multi-national event,” further said SLC.
One of the focal points of the renovation plan is the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo, which had temporarily paused development to accommodate matches in the ongoing 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
“R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, which is one venue out of three venues, which temporarily paused its renovation work to host 11 matches of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, will resume development immediately upon the completion of its scheduled games,” said SLC.
A calculated call to deliver a world-class World Cup
While the postponement will come as a disappointment to LPL fans and franchise stakeholders, SLC maintains that the long-term benefits of prioritizing World Cup readiness outweigh the short-term disruption.
“SLC believes this decision will provide adequate time to work on enhancing and upgrading the ground infrastructure to conduct a successful tournament in the country,” said SLC.
With global attention soon to be focused on Sri Lanka, the board’s decision reinforces its commitment to delivering a world-class tournament, while also ensuring that the LPL returns at a time better aligned with national cricketing priorities.
