- Note that the above image is AI generated
Sri Lanka Cricket has pulled the plug on the Lanka Premier League 2025, not because fans don’t want cricket, but because the venues need to be spruced up before the big boys of world cricket arrive for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
On October 22, 2025, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that the much-anticipated Lanka Premier League (LPL) will not take place this year as originally scheduled. Instead, all focus will be redirected towards preparing the venues for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India in February and March 2026. According to the International Cricket Council’s guidelines, every host venue must be in top-notch condition to handle the pressure of a global tournament featuring 20 teams.
SLC explained that shifting the LPL to a more suitable window was necessary to ensure complete readiness ahead of the World Cup. Officials insist the decision will provide sufficient time to enhance and upgrade ground infrastructure across the country. The plan includes enhancing and upgrading spectator stands, modernizing facilities for players such as dressing rooms and training areas, refurbishing international broadcast facilities, upgrading media centers to accommodate global media requirements, and upgrading venue standards for a multi-nation event.
Work is already underway at three international venues in Sri Lanka, which are being revamped to meet global standards. Among them is the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo. Renovation work at this stadium had been temporarily paused to host 11 matches of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. However, development will resume immediately after those fixtures conclude, ensuring the venue is ready in time for the men’s tournament.
SLC believes this decision is crucial for long-term success, as it guarantees Sri Lanka can deliver a world-class event that meets international expectations. Fans may be disappointed to lose a year of franchise cricket action, but officials argue that this sacrifice will result in a stronger infrastructure base, better facilities, and a chance to host one of the biggest cricket events in style.
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While cricket enthusiasts hoped for the usual spectacle of the LPL, the reality is that World Cup preparations have taken precedence. The cancellation reflects Sri Lanka Cricket’s attempt to balance short-term entertainment with long-term global prestige. By investing in infrastructure upgrades and giving venues the much-needed facelift, SLC wants to ensure that Sri Lanka shines on the global stage in 2026.
For now, the LPL will have to wait, but SLC promises that when it does return, it will be in a better window and with enhanced facilities for players, fans, and broadcasters alike. The move is being pitched as a sacrifice today for a bigger prize tomorrow, the chance for Sri Lanka to host a historic World Cup successfully.
