The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has introduced new rules for its players to be eligible for the sixth edition of the tournament. The league is currently scheduled to take place between July 10 and August 5.
The new rules specify that players must play a certain number of matches to be eligible for different pay brackets and they must even have a certain number of social media followers.
The LPL has designated four categories of players based on both recent game-time and social media following. There are also specifiers for the total number of matches a player has played in his career.
Icon, Star, Gold and Classic categories introduced for players in LPL
The new document specifies the categories, as well as lists the criteria players must meet.
Under the new rules, players applying for the top-tier Icon category must have played at least 75 T20 Internationals, participated in more than 100 franchise T20 matches and must have played a minimum of 30 matches during the last 18 months. Additionally, they must have more than 250,000 followers on social media.
Star category players must have played at least 50 T20Is, more than 100 franchise T20 matches and at least 30 matches in the last 18 months, and also maintain above 250,000 followers on social media.
Players in the Gold category are required to have a minimum of 30 T20Is, more than 75 franchise T20 matches and at least 20 matches in the last 18 months. Players in this category must also have more than 150,000 social media followers.
Players in the Classic category must have at least 20 T20Is, more than 50 franchise T20 matches and 20 matches in the last 18 months, with “reasonable fan base and commercial appeal” listed as essential criteria.
Foreign players will have to play in major leagues
The document also states that all foreign players will have to represent their country and play in top-tier T20 leagues organized by other full-member boards.
“All foreign players must have either represented their national teams or played in a top-tier T20 league such as a tournament organized by a Full Member Board, ILT20 or Major League Cricket within the last 12 months,” the document said.
Retired local players are not eligible to participate in the league.
On Friday, 8 May, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and IPG Group opened the Foreign Player Registration Portal. Portal, accessible through www.srilankacricket.lkWill remain open till 20th May.
The SLC says efforts are underway to expand the player base by attracting talent from emerging and associate cricket nations, including Ireland, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Nepal, the United States, Oman, Italy, Namibia and the Netherlands.
“We are extremely pleased with the interest and inquiries from top cricketers from all cricket playing nations who want to play in Season 6 of the LPL,” said LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwella.
“The overwhelming response from players clearly highlights the growing status of the LPL,” he said.
Also Read: LPL 2026: Sri Lanka Cricket announces dates and four venues for the upcoming season
Player salaries and international pre-signings for LPL 2026
Each franchise will be allowed to include two international marquee players and two Sri Lankan marquee players for the 2026 season.
The pre-signed player list is expected to be announced next week, the newswire reports.
SLC also listed the pay structure for four categories. The salary structure for Season 6 puts Icon and Star category players at US$60,000 to US$80,000, Platinum players at US$50,000, Gold players at US$30,000, and Classic players at US$20,000.
