The Indian sports broadcasting baron, Star Sports has extended its television media rights to the upcoming season of the Sri Lankan T20 competition, Lanka Premier League (LPL), which is set to be held from July 1-21.
“Since its inception, the LPL has not only showcased thrilling cricket but also served as a platform for nurturing talented Sri Lankan cricketers. This journey would not have been possible without Star Sports, whose unwavering commitment has elevated the league to new heights. Star Sports, with their unparalleled standards in both live and non-live cricket content, has brought highly competitive and engaging T20 matches to fans and unveiled inspiring and untold cricketing narratives. This collaboration has captivated audiences across India and this season we will continue to focus on maintaining similar broadcast marvels,” commented Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of IPG Group—the official rights holder of LPL.
Season five, with 24 matches spread over 21 days, will include doubleheaders on most days, with the exception of three days with only one match scheduled. Day matches will begin at 3 PM IST, while evening contests at 7:30 PM IST.
Samantha Dodewala, Tournament Director, Lanka Premier League, commented, “The quality and standard of play that the Lanka Premier League embodies will reach new heights in terms of team competitiveness and fan excitement, elevating the tournament to unprecedented levels. Consequently, having a renowned broadcaster like Star Sports expand the tournament’s reach to a wider audience is immensely beneficial for the growth of the league.”
Star Sports’ commitment to excellent broadcasting and innovation ensures spectacular angles and engaging experiences, which makes it the home of thrilling cricket action. Premier events in its portfolio include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Indian Premier League, Asian Legends League, Cricket Australia, Premier League, Wimbledon and many other high-profile sports properties.
Continuing the partnership and airing the Lanka Premier League would boost the network’s strong cricket offering even further.
Harry Griffith, Head of Acquisition and Syndication, Sports, Disney Star, said, “Cricket fans in India can look forward to continuous live cricket action, as the Lanka Premier League promises exhilarating matches and unforgettable moments. Our commitment to bringing the best of cricket to our viewers is unwavering, and we are thrilled to be the broadcasters of LPL 2024 on linear TV.”
The fifth edition of the league will include prominent international cricketers such as Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Agha Salman, Andre Fletcher, Fabian Allen, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Noor Ahmad, Rilee Rossouw, and Reeza Hendricks.
Local talents including Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Isuru Udana, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Mendis, and other national team heavyweights.
The games will be contested in Colombo, Dambulla, and Kandy. The league phase will take place from July 1 to 16, with the five teams, Galle Titans (formerly known as Galle Gladiators), Jaffna Kings, Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Aura and B-Love Kandy (formerly known as Kandy Falcons, Kandy Warriors, and Kandy Tuskers), playing each other twice. The playoffs will begin in Colombo on July 18, with the finals scheduled for July 21.