LPL Terminates Dambulla Thunders’ Contract After Owner’s Arrest

LPL hasn’t revealed the reason behind the termination of the contract.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has made a shocking announcement, terminating the Dambulla Thunders franchise effective immediately. This decision comes just a day after the LPL 2024 auction, where the Thunders participated in team building for the upcoming season.

The LPL cited recent legal issues faced by Tamim Rahman, CEO of Imperial Sports Group, the owner of the Dambulla Thunders, as the reason for the termination. While the exact nature of the charges against Mr. Rahman remains undisclosed, the league prioritized safeguarding its integrity and upholding high standards of conduct.

This move aims to protect the LPL’s reputation and ensure all participants adhere to ethical principles. The league management is actively working to minimize disruption caused by the termination and ensure a smooth run for the upcoming season, scheduled to kick off on July 1st.

“We are committed to the highest standards of transparency and professionalism,” stated Anil Mohan, chairman of the IPG group, which holds the rights to the LPL. “We will continue to support all our teams, players, and fans during this transition,” he added.

The sudden departure of the Dambulla Thunders leaves a question mark regarding the format of the five-team tournament. It will be interesting to see if the LPL opts to replace the Thunders with another franchise or adjust the tournament structure to accommodate four teams.