Lanka Premier League Season 6 will be much bigger than previous editions: Samantha Dodanwela
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to get underway on July 17, with this season poised to be bigger and more exciting than ever before. For the first time, matches will be played across four venues, expanding from the three-host format used in previous editions. The tournament will culminate with the grand finale at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 8.
With just 30 days remaining before the opening game, Sri Lanka Cricket officials and Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela are working tirelessly to ensure the event is a resounding success. In an exclusive conversation with RevSportz, Dodanwela shared his insights and expectations for the sixth season of the LPL. Here are excerpts from the interview:
How do you see the league evolving over the past couple of years?
Samantha Dodanwela: We were unable to hold it last year due to the World Cup and a few other commitments, so I’m very excited to be here. We are looking forward to conducting a very good tournament this year. We have already completed the player draft, which went extremely well and was very successful. With about 40 days to go, we have already started the planning process, and the teams are eagerly waiting to showcase what they can offer during this year’s league.
Can you tell us about the challenges the Lanka Premier League has faced over the last few years?
Dodanwela: As you know, we started this league back in 2020. Just as we were about to commence the tournament, we faced the COVID-19 pandemic. While the entire world was shutting down, Sri Lanka was successful in conducting the tournament in a secure environment. I believe that was a significant achievement for us.
The following year was similar, with numerous restrictions imposed by the government. Nevertheless, we continued. Then, in 2022, while preparations were progressing smoothly, Sri Lanka experienced an economic crisis just a month before the player draft. There was a severe fuel shortage and a lack of foreign currency, forcing us to postpone the league from July to December.
Although we managed to conduct a successful tournament, some of the top players who had originally signed up were unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts. We also lost some sponsors because of the economic situation. However, since then, things have steadily improved. The 2023 tournament was very successful, and 2024 was the best among the five editions we have held. I’m proud of how the league has progressed and am looking forward to an even better event this year.
Tell us about your partnership with IPG Group, which has been associated with several global T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League.
Dodanwela: IPG has been with us since the inception of the Lanka Premier League. When we initially sought an event rights partner, IPG was the company that came forward and supported us. Throughout all the challenges and obstacles we faced as a country, they delivered consistently.
I must give them credit for standing by the league through difficult times. We are looking forward to making this year even better than the previous five editions. A big thank you to IPG for their continued support since the beginning.
What are your plans regarding fan engagement and attracting spectators to the stadiums?
Dodanwela: We have planned numerous activities beyond just cricket. We believe these additional engagements will help attract more fans to the stadiums. We have a comprehensive plan leading up to the tournament and are introducing several new initiatives.
In all the host cities, we have planned community engagement activities, CSR projects and other events. I’m confident that these efforts will encourage larger crowds to attend and enjoy the tournament.
Why did you opt for a player draft this year instead of the traditional auction?
Dodanwela: When we started the league in 2020, we used a player draft system, which continued through 2021 and 2022. In 2023, I proposed moving to an auction because I am very familiar with that system. By profession, I am a tea taster and auctioneer. I have conducted tea auctions for many years and understand the rules and processes involved.
I presented the idea to the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, and they supported it. The auction turned out to be highly successful, and we continued with it for two years. This year, however, some team owners suggested returning to the player draft, so we decided to do so. That said, I believe we may move back to the auction system in the future.
What challenges does the Lanka Premier League face regarding player participation and scheduling, considering the number of global T20 leagues around the world?
Dodanwela: That is certainly one of our biggest challenges. Throughout the cricket calendar, there are numerous leagues and bilateral series taking place. We need to identify the best possible window while minimising clashes with other competitions.
As the league director, I would ideally prefer a month-long window. However, we currently operate within a period of about 20 to 25 days. Within that limitation, we have scheduled our fixtures as effectively as possible. We hope that in the future we can secure a larger window and avoid scheduling conflicts with other tournaments.
What impact has the Lanka Premier League had on Sri Lankan cricket, tourism and the national economy?
Dodanwela: From a cricketing perspective, our primary objective is to provide young cricketers with a platform to showcase their talent on a global stage. This helps us build a strong second string of players, which is crucial for any cricketing nation. Several players who have featured in the national team have emerged through the LPL.
In terms of tourism, the league serves as an excellent platform to showcase Sri Lanka to the world. Overseas players, along with their families, often travel around the country during their stay. Many share their experiences on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X. This exposure effectively promotes Sri Lanka globally.
While the tourism sector spends significant resources marketing the country, the visibility generated through these players often comes naturally and free of charge. It is a fantastic opportunity to highlight what Sri Lanka has to offer.
Finally, have you considered appointing a brand ambassador for this year’s edition of the Lanka Premier League?
Dodanwela: Yes, we have. However, I do not want to reveal too much at this moment. We have already signed two iconic former international cricketers from overseas who will be associated with the league. I’ll keep their identities a surprise for now, but the announcement will be made very soon.
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