The player auction for the inaugural Sastralian Premier League 2026 (SPL), a 10-over cricket tournament organised by the Management and Alumni of Ananda Sastralaya National School, Matugama, will be held on October 18 from 4.00 PM onwards at the Himakara Hotel, Yatadola.
The initiative aims to strengthen the financial resources required for the development of cricket at Ananda Sastralaya National School, Matugama. Eight teams will participate in the inaugural competition, with 143 players registered for the auction.
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Each team will be permitted to select a maximum of 16 players, excluding team captains, who will not be part of the auction. The tournament will also feature a Guest Players category, offering opportunities for players who currently play or have previously played school cricket in the Matugama area to represent the participating teams.
Each team can select up to six guest players from other schools, with four required to feature in matches. In addition, every squad must include two current cricketers from Ananda Sastralaya National School, Matugama, although only one will be required to play in a match. This arrangement is expected to provide the school’s current players with valuable experience alongside more experienced cricketers.
Team owners will also have the opportunity to strengthen their squads with five players over the age of 20 and three players over the age of 40. All current school cricketers will be presented under the School Players category at the auction.
The tournament will be played in the T10 format, with a total of 16 matches scheduled across November 7, 8 and 15. November 16 has been reserved as a contingency date in case of rain interruptions. Another notable feature of the competition is the provision for teams to use an Impact Player.
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The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group A comprises JSD Challenges, Jagath Express, Liveka Power Lions and Rexhill Warriors, while JPI Royals, Five Star Heroes, Marine Titans and Finnk Falcons will compete in Group B.
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