• SLC forced to scrap certain requirements 
• Organisers confident of attracting top talent 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have been forced to scrap the controversial social media follower requirement for Icon and Star category players in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Season six Player Registration and Draft Guide.

This has transpired following strong backlash on social media and criticism from sections of the cricket community over the eye-brow raising move by the sport’s local governing body.

An updated version 1.5 of the LPL Season Six Player Registration and Draft Guide, issued on Saturday (9), no longer includes the earlier requirement that players in the Icon and Star categories possess social media followings exceeding 250,000 followers.

The earlier version 1.4 document released on Friday (8) had stated that Icon and Star category players must have “a large fan base and commercial appeal,” with a social media following exceeding 250K, while Gold category players were required to have over 150K followers.

The revised Guide has removed all references to minimum social media follower counts across player categories, while retaining the cricketing eligibility requirements such as T20 international appearances, franchise experience, and recent match activity.

Many had questioned the earlier stance, pointing to the idiocy of SLC previously urging national players to stay away from excessive social media use and focus on the game, while the LPL regulations appeared to reward players based on online popularity and follower counts.

The move had sparked heated debate online, with critics arguing that cricketing ability instead of social media influence should determine player categories in the nation’s flagship T20 domestic tournament.

Despite the removal of the follower requirement, the updated regulations continue to place strong emphasis on player promotional obligations, including mandatory social media posts, fan engagement activities, and promotional appearances during the tournament.

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-month period, 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 vital criteria.

The new guidelines also state 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 the upcoming edition 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.

According to the LPL organisers this year’s tournament has already drawn interest not only from top players of the international circuit but also from nations such as Ireland, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Nepal, USA, Oman, Italy and the Netherlands to name a few.

The season six of the LPL is due to be staged across four venues, SSC ground and R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla from 10 July to 5 August.

The online portal for overseas player registration for LPL 2026 which went live last Friday (8) is set to remain open till 20 May while the pre-signed players are likely to be announced this week.

The tournament which made its bow in 2020 was not held last year, as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that it needed the major venues to be spruced up for this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Jaffna Kings are the most successful franchise in the tournament’s short history winning four titles.