Another Asian cricket league is in danger. Call it poor planning or lack of a window, LPL 2024 is bracing for pullouts from overseas players as it will clash with cash-rich Major League Cricket. MLC 2024 offers bumper pay to players that Lankan Premier League can’t match. And without premier overseas players, LPL is facing an existential crisis similar to Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) which has seen pullouts by a dozen of foreign players.
LPL 2024 will begin on July 1, only two days after the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The final of LPL will take place on July 21. To make things worse, LPL will find it difficult to attract players from Zimbabwe as the likes of Sikandar Raza will be busy against India Cricket Team. Zimbabwe vs India T20I series starts on July 6.
Clash of T20 leagues Part II
With SA20, ILT20 and BPL 2024 clashing, Pakistan Super League had to push the dates. But it did not work in its favour due to Pakistan General Elections. And with fatigue and national commitments, a dozen of overseas players have pulled out.
Similarly, LPL 2024 is heading to a similar direction. Major League Cricket which is attracting the likes of Steve Smith with bumper salaries will begin on July 4.
LPL 2024 format
Once again, LPL 2024 will feature five teams. A total of 24 matches will be played including 20 league matches. Like IPL, Lanka Premier League will feature Qualifier 1 & 2 apart from an Eliminator and the final.
Each team will have a minimum squad size of 20 and a maxium of 24 players including 6 overseas players.
Wanindu Hasaranga-led B-Love Kandy are the defending champions.
