Sri Lanka’s cricket board on Thursday announced its own glitzy Twenty20 tournament, seeking to emulate the success of the hugely popular Indian Premier League. The first edition of the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) will be played over 18 days from July 19 and will feature teams from the island’s seven provinces and big international stars, according to a statement.
“Twenty20’s massive popularity and status as the most exciting and entertaining format of cricket will be further enhanced by this newest tournament to the world of cricket,” read a Sri Lanka Cricket statement. While SLC kept mum on the international stars likely to take part, local media named the likes of Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, Daniel Vettori, Kieron Pollard, Daniel Christian, Herschelle Gibbs and Kevin O’Brien.