Sri Lanka Cricket [SLC] has announced the launch of SLC T20 League, the country’s own franchise-based T20 tournament. In an official statement released on Thursday (August 2), SLC confirmed that the league will run from August 21 to September 2, this year.

The governing body for the sport in Sri Lanka had earlier announced their aspirations to launch Lankan Premier League [LPL], a six-team franchise-based T20 competition that was scheduled to be held during a similar slot. SLC had also appointed former Sri Lanka cricketer Russell Arnold, as the director of LPL.

There were speculations regarding the future of LPL following the expiration of former SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala’s elected term, as Sri Lanka government handed over SLC’s administration to the Competent Authority.

Although there was no formal announcement from the board, Arnold had confirmed the postponement of the league through his official Twitter account, on July 6.

SLC T20 Tournament, Sri Lanka’s domestic 20-over competition was held in February-March this year, where a total of 23 teams had participated. The matches were used for preparation of the Nidahas Trophy. However, there will be four teams in taking part in the SLC T20 League, namely, Colombo, Dambulla, Galle, and Kandy.

Each of the four teams will play six matches during the league phase, where they will face each other twice. The top two teams of that round will progress to the final, which will be held on September 2, at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.