A bold new chapter in fast-paced cricket

As Sri Lanka prepares for the inaugural T10 League, it becomes the third ICC full member nation to launch this exhilarating format, following Zimbabwe and the West Indies. The T10 format, which gained recognition with the Abu Dhabi T10 League in 2017, offers a fresh approach to cricket, providing yet another fast-paced alternative to the traditional game, following T20 and England’s 100-ball league.

This league will not only test the skills of players but also promises to engage fans with its explosive action. Samantha Dodanwela, Chairman of the Tournament Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and a former cricketer, brings his experience from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as he leads this new venture.

He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities it could offer to Sri Lankan cricketers, particularly in extending their professional careers and providing a platform to showcase their skills. “T10 is gaining popularity around the world as fans prefer shorter games,” noted Dodanwela, a former  Trinity, Kandy CC, SSC and Sri Lanka ‘A’ fast bowler. “This league is a chance for younger players to shine, especially those who thrive in a fast-scoring, hard-hitting environment.” Dodanwela, reflecting on the journey of the LPL, sees the T10 League as an opportunity to expand Sri Lanka’s cricket landscape. “When we launched the LPL, we had our share of challenges, but the success it has achieved is a testament to Sri Lanka’s love for cricket. I’m confident the T10 will bring that same level of excitement,” he says. With the league set to run from December 12 to 22, Dodanwela is keen to build on the lessons learned from the LPL to ensure the success of this new format.

One of Dodanwela’s key strategies for the T10 League is drawing from the systems that were developed for the LPL. “The professionalism we established in the LPL – everything from anti-corruption measures to the quality of support staff – will be carried over to the T10,” Dodanwela explains.

Sri Lanka Cricket has already implemented an anti-corruption unit to safeguard the league, which has earned praise from the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit for its transparency and diligence. According to Dodanwela, these measures are essential to building trust among fans and players alike.

As Dodanwela highlighted, SLC’s efforts to curb corruption include mandatory player briefings on reporting suspicious activity. This is an essential step in ensuring that the league upholds high standards of integrity and fair play. Reflecting on the LPL’s evolution, Dodanwela also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the T10 league’s integrity through well-structured player selection and management. Unlike the LPL, where player auctions have been a focal point, the T10 will use a draft system for team composition. “In the LPL, we saw how important it was to balance established stars with emerging talent. We’re bringing that same philosophy into the T10,” Dodanwela notes.

The inaugural Lanka T10 Super League will feature six teams, with a total of 19 matches being held in Kandy. The player draft is scheduled for October 25, structured into five categories: Icon, Platinum, A, B, C, and T10 Emerging, ensuring that both seasoned professionals and rising stars   get their time to shine. “In the Emerging category we have a reciprocal arrangement with West Indies and Zimbabwe,” he adds.

Dodanwela also sees the T10 as a platform for fostering local talent and strengthening international ties. “The LPL has shown us that Sri Lankan players have what it takes to compete with the best in the world. In the T10, we’re excited to see who will rise to the challenge,” he says. player development is something Dodanwela is passionate about. “In the LPL, some of our lesser-known players performed well against seasoned internationals. The T10 will be a great chance for more of our players to showcase their skills on a global stage,” he adds.  Notable Sri Lankan players like Thisara Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga have already made a mark in T10 leagues around the world. Dodanwela is hopeful that the upcoming league will create even more success stories.

Dodanwela is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. The LPL weathered the challenges of the pandemic and an economic crisis, growing stronger with each season. “We’ve proven that Sri Lanka Cricket can adapt and thrive, even in tough times. The T10 will be no different,” Dodanwela states.

He is optimistic that this new league will attract large crowds and create a strong fan base, much like the LPL has done. “Last year, we saw packed stadiums. I believe the T10 will evoke a similar enthusiasm.”

In many ways, the T10 League represents the natural progression of Dodanwela’s vision for Sri Lankan cricket. With his experience in developing the LPL into a marquee event, Dodanwela is well-positioned to lead the T10 into its debut season. “Sri Lanka has always embraced new  formats of cricket, and I believe this will be no exception. We’re excited to see what this new chapter holds,” he concludes.

As anticipation builds, Sri Lanka’s T10 League promises to serve as a platform for players to extend their careers and fans to embrace a faster, thrilling form of the game. With Dodanwela, Managing Director of Mercantile Produce Brokers, one of the leading tea brokering companies in the country, at the helm, backed by SLC’s commitment to transparency and player development, the league is poised to make an impact on the global cricketing stage.