The 2022 Lanka Premier League, which had been slated to begin in two weeks, has been postponed, because of the economic situation in Sri Lanka.
A draft had been held, foreign players supposedly secured, and preparations were underway for the tournament to be held. However, problems with securing adequate sponsorship and cooling franchise interest have led to the postponement. Whether it will be played at all this year may depend on whether Sri Lanka's economic crisis eases.
"This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the rights-holder of the tournament, which cited the current 'economic situation,' in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament," a board release said.
Even in more favourable economic conditions, however, the league has had problems with funding. It had had little continuity since its outset, with last year's tournament seeing only two of the original five franchise owners returning.
Both the 2020 and 2021 LPL tournaments, had been popular among fans and had helped uncover fresh talent for the national team. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana, for example, first gained notice through the LPL.
The news is a further blow to cricket fans in Sri Lanka, who may now not see high-profile cricket on the island for many months following the end of the ongoing Tests against Pakistan. It now appears the Asia Cup, which was set to be played in Sri Lanka, may also be moved elsewhere, also owing to the challenges of hosting a tournament of that magnitude amidst ongoing fuel shortages and political unrest.