Lanka Premier League 2024 Auction Sees Record Buys And International Talent

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 auction took place at the Hilton Hotel Colombo on Tuesday, May 21. A total of 420 players, including 154 local and 266 foreign players, were part of the auction list. However, only 114 players were selected by the officials of the five participating teams.

Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana became the most expensive player in LPL history. He was acquired by Colombo Strikers for USD 120,000 (approximately Rs 1 crore). Former Sri Lankan pacer Isuru Udana also secured a significant deal, being bought by Galle Marvels for USD 100,000. B-Love Candy spent USD 85,000 to sign former Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.

Afghanistan's Karim Janet emerged as the costliest foreign player in the LPL 2024 auction. He was purchased by Dambulla Thunders for USD 80,000. Pakistani players also made a notable impact in the auction. Shadab Khan was retained by Colombo Strikers, while Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammed Hasnain, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., and Mohammad Ali found buyers.

• Iftikhar Ahmed (Dambulla Thunders): USD 50,000
• Mohammed Hasnain (B-Love Kandy): USD 30,000
• Azam Khan (B-Love Kandy): USD 50,000
• Salman Ali Agha (B-Love Kandy): USD 10,000
• Haider Ali (Dambulla Thunders): USD 25,000
• Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Colombo Strikers): USD 20,000
• Mohammad Ali (B-Love Kandy): USD 10,000

The five-team tournament is scheduled to take place from July 1 to July 21. B-Love Kandy emerged victorious in the previous edition by defeating Dambulla Thunders by five wickets.