Sri Lankan cricket stalwart Angelo Mathews has highlighted the importance of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as a vital platform for
developing the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers, stating that the tournament gives young local players the rare opportunity to share dressing rooms with some of the best international players in the game.
Speaking on the value of the tournament, Mathews said the LPL plays an important role in exposing young Sri Lankan players to high-performance environments, helping them learn how experienced international players prepare, respond to pressure and perform
on big occasions.
“The Lanka Premier League is extremely important for Sri Lankan cricket because it gives exposure to young players. They get to rub shoulders with top international players, share the same dressing room and learn how they react to situations, absorb pressure and prepare for games,” Mathews said. “It is all about grooming younger players, and it is our duty to share our experiences with them.”
Mathews noted that the LPL gives local players a significant advantage by placing them in a competitive T20 environment alongside cricketers who have played across leading global leagues. He added that the tournament allows Sri Lankan players to observe
first-hand the professionalism, preparation and tactical awareness required at the highest level.
“You can see what the top international players do in terms of preparation, handling pressure and getting ready for a game. Young players can ask questions, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge, wisdom and experience. That is a great opportunity
for the younger generation,” he said.
Mathews also stressed the importance of ensuring that the LPL is played consistently every year, noting that continuity is essential if Sri Lankan players are to benefit from the tournament in the long term. With franchise cricket continuing to evolve globally, he
said Sri Lankan players must be given regular exposure to the speed, intensity and innovation of modern T20 cricket.
“The LPL has to be played every year so that our Sri Lankan boys will benefit. Franchise cricket is getting faster and faster. Batters are playing unbelievable shots, and bowlers are learning how to respond in different situations and conditions. The main thing is that the tournament must continue, because players will benefit going forward,” Mathews said.
He added that the LPL has continued to improve with each edition, reflecting the evolution of T20 cricket around the world. According to Mathews, the game is becoming faster across batting, bowling and fielding, with players constantly developing new skills,
shots, deliveries and athletic standards.
Mathews also said there is no shortage of talent in Sri Lanka, but young players need consistent opportunities to compete at a high level. “There is absolutely no shortage of talent and skill in Sri Lanka. What players need is the opportunity to play at the highest
level, and the LPL provides that opportunity against some of the best players in the world,” he said.
Beyond player development, Mathews highlighted the wider national value of the tournament, noting that the LPL can help spread cricket across all parts of Sri Lanka while inspiring young fans to take up the sport.
“We need to spread this lovely game to all parts of Sri Lanka, north, south, east and west. The LPL will interest youngsters, encourage more people to take up cricket, and bring fans to the grounds and to television. It is a different experience, and it will keep
the crowds engaged,” he said.
Mathews added that the tournament also carries broader economic value by attracting international players, strengthening sports entertainment and supporting commercial activity around cricket.
“The LPL is a really good thing for Sri Lanka. It benefits players, fans and the country, and we need to continue building it each year,” he said.
