November start confirmed for delayed Lanka Premier League

The 23-match tournament will run from November 21 to December 13, with the player draft set to be staged next week

• Lanka Premier League draft delayed

The Lanka Premier League has taken a step closer to materialising after the dates for the inaugural edition of the T20 competition were confirmed.

Five teams are set to contest 23 matches between November 21 and December 13.

A much-delayed player draft to help determine the squads for the competition is due to take place on Monday, October 19 having twice been moved by organisers.

Sri Lanka still has a 14-day quarantine in place for arrivals into the country. It is unknown whether this regulation will be eased to ensure overseas players can participate.

Anil Mohan, chief-executive of rights holders IPG said: "LPL gives us an opportunity to provide the cricket-loving nation a T20 extravaganza to look forward to. Sri Lankan cricket fans are extremely passionate about the game, and it gives me tremendous joy and happiness that IPG got the mandate to conduct the League here. 

"The Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) board has been extremely helpful and I look forward to their unending co-operation and support to make this League a grand success. We are committed to create a world-class league with LPL."

Ravin Wickramaratne, SLC vice-president, added: "The tournament will not only create a platform for local players to develop their skills by playing alongside world-class players but will also provide an opportunity for Sri Lankan cricket fans to watch a quality cricket tournament."

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