Colombo, Jul 17 (IANS): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Sunday that the Lanka Premier League 2022 has been postponed with immediate effect because of the current economic condition of the island nation. The tournament, which would have been the third edition of the league, was scheduled to happen from August 1-21.

"Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that the Lanka Premier League 2022, which was scheduled to be held from 1st to 21st August 2022 will be postponed, with immediate effect."

"This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the Rights Holder of the tournament, which cited the current 'economic situation,' in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament," said the statement from SLC.

Earlier, in June this year, despite the acute economic and civil crisis, SLC had said that the five-team tournament would be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo for the initial matches before the action shifts to the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The first edition of the LPL was held in 2020, followed by the second in 2021. Both editions of the tournament have been won by Jaffna Kings (earlier Stallions), with Galle Gladiators ending as runners-up on both occasions.