The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has strengthened its broadcast footprint for the 2026 season through a partnership with Star Sports, marking another commercial milestone for Sri Lanka’s premier franchise T20 competition ahead of its sixth edition.
Scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8, the tournament continues to build its presence across South Asia and international markets as it seeks to capitalise on growing audience engagement and increasing overseas player interest. Organised by Sri Lanka Cricket, the league’s commercial rights are held by Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC (IPG).
Broadcast deal supports league’s growth
The latest broadcast agreement comes as the LPL continues to strengthen its position among the region’s leading franchise T20 competitions. The league has increasingly established itself as a platform that combines elite international talent with opportunities for Sri Lankan players to compete in a high-performance environment.
This year’s tournament will feature 62 Sri Lankan players alongside 32 overseas cricketers, reinforcing the competition’s role in providing local talent with international exposure while contributing to the development of cricket in Sri Lanka.
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, IPG Group, said in an official statement: “The Lanka Premier League continues to strengthen its position within the global cricket ecosystem. The record interest shown by players this season, with more than 650 overseas registrations from 21 countries reflects the growing appeal of the league among both players and fans worldwide. As we enter our sixth season, our ambition extends beyond staging a successful tournament. We are committed to creating a platform that contributes to the growth of Sri Lankan cricket, provides opportunities for emerging talent to compete alongside some of the world’s best players, and delivers a world-class experience for fans across markets. The continued growth of the league is a testament to the progress we have made and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
International player interest continues to rise
The league has attracted more than 650 overseas player registrations from 21 countries for the 2026 season, underlining its expanding international appeal. Its player roster will include established names such as Moeen Ali, Jimmy Neesham, Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka.
The upcoming edition will also mark the Lanka Premier League debut of Indian international Vijay Shankar, adding further depth to a tournament that continues to attract players from across the global cricket landscape.
Season six aims to build on momentum
The sixth edition represents another step in the league’s long-term strategy to strengthen its commercial profile while enhancing its reputation as a destination for both established international cricketers and emerging Sri Lankan talent.
Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director, Lanka Premier League, said in an official statement: “Season 6 represents another exciting milestone in the journey of the Lanka Premier League. The quality and diversity of players participating this year reflects the growing strength of the tournament, with a strong mix of international stars and emerging Sri Lankan talent ready to compete on one platform. With world-class broadcast coverage, passionate fans and some of the biggest names in cricket set to take the field, we are looking forward to delivering another memorable season of high-quality T20 cricket.”
The Star Sports partnership marks another step in the Lanka Premier League’s commercial growth as the competition prepares for its sixth season, with the tournament continuing to strengthen its international profile through expanding broadcast reach, growing overseas player interest and increasing engagement across key cricket markets.
