Damith Weerasinghe

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) Season 6 has introduced detailed qualification criteria for player categories, placing major emphasis not only on cricketing experience but also on commercial appeal and social media reach. Under the new regulations, players applying for the top-tier Icon category must have played at least 75 T20 internationals, featured in over 100 franchise T20 matches, and played a minimum of 30 matches during the past 18 months. In addition, they are required to have a social media following exceeding 250,000 followers. Star category players must have played at least 50 T20Is, over 100 franchise T20 matches, and at least 30 matches in the last 18 months, while also maintaining a social media following above 250,000. Gold category players are required to have a minimum of 30 T20Is, more than 75 franchise T20 matches, and at least 20 matches in the last 18 months. Players in this category must also have a social media following exceeding 150,000. Classic category players must have at least 20 T20Is, more than 50 franchise T20 matches, and 20 matches in the past 18 months, with “reasonable fan base and commercial appeal” listed as essential criteria. The document also states that all overseas players must have either represented their national teams or played in top-tier T20 leagues such as tournaments organised by Full Member Boards, ILT20, or Major League Cricket within the last 12 months. Retired local players are not eligible to participate in the tournament. The salary structure for Season 6 places Icon and Star category players in the USD 60,000 to USD 80,000 bracket, Platinum players at USD 50,000, Gold players at USD 30,000, and Classic players at USD 20,000.