Sri Lanka Cricket Announces LPL Player Draft Date: March 22

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) player draft is happening on March 22, 2026, marking a return to the draft system for the first time since 2022. The LPL 2026 is set to run from July 8 to August 8, 2026, and has already roped in Chris Gayle as its brand ambassador. The tournament will feature a mix of local talent and international stars, making it an exciting event for cricket fans. Earlier this year, Jaffna Kings - formerly the longest-standing franchise, having joined in the tournament's second edition - and Colombo Strikers were terminated by SLC for "failure to uphold contractual obligations." As a result, the LPL currently has no franchise owners with a history stretching back beyond 2024. New owners for both the Jaffna and Colombo teams are yet to be announced. This season, franchises will select both local and international players for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from July 8 to August 8, 2026. The LPL 2026 will feature six teams, including Colombo, Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, and a new entrant. Chris Gayle is on board as the brand ambassador, adding to the excitement.