Goa, July 18 -- The Lanka Premier League (LPL) returned on July 17 after skipping the 2025 season, with defending champions Jaffna Kings taking on Galle Gallants in the tournament opener at Colombo's SSC Cricket Ground. The sixth edition of Sri Lanka's premier T20 league will run until August 8, with August 9 reserved as a backup date for the final if required.

Five teams are competing this season - Colombo Kaps, Jaffna Kings, Galle Gallants, Dambulla Sixers and Kandy Royals. Each side will face every other team twice in a double round-robin league, resulting in 20 league-stage matches before the playoffs. The tournament consists of 24 matches, including Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final.

The tournament will be played a...