The Lanka Premier League has run into a roadblock just ahead of the start of the second season as the league’s right holders, Innovative Productive Group (IPG) decided to terminate two of the five franchises in the league. Dambulla Viiking and Colombo Kings, the two teams owned by non-Sri Lankan owners have been removed due to non-payment of dues.
The Sri Lanka Cricket and IPG agreed that Kings, owned by Saza Group of Murfad Mustafa of Dubai and Viiking, owned by Telugu Warriors company of Sachin Joshi of India must be terminated. The two authorities also revealed that two other teams have been picked up as their replacement for the second season beginning on July 30.
"It won't affect the league because we will be announcing the two new owners soon," IPG said in a release.
"Accordingly, the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG) has received multiple requests from many interested parties and in compliance with the contractual obligation of the IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket, for the said League, as well as in keeping with the requirement of the International Cricket Council (ICC), have submitted all KYC documents for approval to finalise the new set of owners for the said teams," the SLC said in another statement.
The 2020 edition of the tournament was won by Jaffana Stallions when they beat Galle Gladiators in the finale held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International cricket stadium. This season, the tournament running from July 30 to August 27 will be played at the same venue as well.