New Delhi, Jun 22 (IANS): The fifth edition of the much-awaited Lanka Premier League (LPL) will begin on July 1 with a host of international and Sri Lankan stars in action across three weeks of pulsating T20 action at three iconic venues.

Some of the marquee international names from the five LPL franchises include Kiwi all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman, Bangladesh pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, Pakistan stars Shadab Khan and Agha Salman, West Indies veterans Andre Fletcher and Fabian Allen as well as the famed Afghanistan spinners Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman and Noor Ahmad, and the South African duo of Rilee Rossouw and Reeza Hendricks.

The Sri Lankan presence in LPL 2024 is equally star-studded, with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Isuru Udana, Maheesh Theekshana and Kusal Mendis among a host of other national team heavyweights.

“The Lanka Premier League continues to highlight the exceptional talent of our cricket players, providing fans with yet another opportunity to see their favorite stars in action. As we embark on this significant fifth season, I extend my best wishes to all the participants, stakeholders, and our cherished fans,” said Samantha Dodewala, tournament director.

The league stage will run from July 1 to 16, with the five teams – Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Marvels, Jaffna Kings and Kandy -- taking on each other twice during this period at the three iconic venues – the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Kandy.

The playoffs, to be played at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, will begin on July 18, with the final scheduled on July 21.