Cricbeat

Sri Lanka Cricket have confirmed the dates for the first edition of the Sri Lanka Premier League will be from July 19 to August 4, 2011. The seven provinces will play 24 matches over the 18 days, all of which will be telecast live globally. This means that every team will each other once, before the two semi-finals and a final.

Each team will only be allowed five overseas players in their squad, of which only four can be named in the XI. Several foreign players including Chris Gayle, Shoaib Akhtar, Kieron Pollard, Shahid Afridi and Herschelle Gibbs have already been signed for the tournament.

SLC also unveiled the team names for the provinces. The seven teams will be: Basnahira Bears, Kandurata Kites, Nagenahira Nagas, Ruhuna Rhinos, Uthura Oryxes, Uva Unicorns and Wayamba Wolves. The board plans to add two more provinces to the tournament within three years.

SLC are also in on going talks with other International players, including players from India, Australia and Pakistan.