Lanka Premier League (LPL 2023) is all set to captivate cricket fans from July 30 to August 20, 2023. The tournament will showcase five teams competing for the ultimate glory – Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Aura, Galle Titans, Jaffna Kings, and B-Love Kandy. The format comprises a double round-robin league, with each team facing each other twice, spanning from July 31 to August 15.
Following the league matches, the playoffs will ignite the cricketing fervor – Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on August 17, Qualifier 2 on August 19, and the grand final on August 20. A reserve day has also been set for the final, ensuring contingency on August 21.
Jaffna Kings, previously known as Stallions and now reigning as double-time Kings, will be spearheaded by the dynamic Thisara Perera, with Thilina Kandamby serving as their coach. The franchise secured victories in the first two finals against the Galle franchise and clinched the third against the Colombo Strikers. Meanwhile, the Galle Titans will be led by Dasun Shanaka, guided by coach Chamara Kapugedera, and the Colombo Strikers will have skipper Babar Azam and Simon Helmot leading the charge.
As for the other two teams, Dambulla Aura will see Kusal Mendis as captain, supported by coach Avishka Gunawardene, while B-Love Kandy will be under the leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga, mentored by Piyal Wijetunge.
The LPL 2023 captains are undoubtedly top-notch players, each bringing impressive records in Twenty20 cricket:
| Team | Captain | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | Hundreds | Fifties | Highest Score | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Bowling Inning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Strikers | Babar Azam | 260 | 9201 | 129 | 9 | 76 | 122 | – | – | – | – |
| Dambulla Aura | Kusal Mendis | 117 | 3219 | 137 | – | 27 | 86 | 6 | 48 | – | – |
| Galle Titans | Dasun Shanaka | 186 | 3750 | 142 | 3 | 15 | 131* | 59 | 27.30 | 8.81 | 3-6 |
| Jaffna Kings | Thisara Perera | 355 | 4459 | 151 | – | 12 | 97* | 275 | 26.63 | 8.60 | 5-26 |
| B-Love Kandy | Wanindu Hasaranga | 147 | 1481 | 137 | 5 | – | 77* | 197 | 17.59 | 6.91 | 5-18 |
