What Is 2012 Sri Lankan Premier League Squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) featured seven franchise teams, each with a 15-player squad, and ran from August 9 to August 31, 2012, marking the inaugural season of the T20 league.

Key Facts

The 2012 SLPL began on August 9 and concluded on August 31, 2012
Seven teams participated, each fielding a 15-player squad
Dinesh Chandimal captained the Nagenahira Warriors
Kumar Sangakkara played for the Uva Next
The Ruhuna Royals won the inaugural final against the Wayamba United

Overview

The 2012 Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) was the first edition of Sri Lanka’s official franchise-based Twenty20 cricket tournament, launched to boost domestic cricket and attract international talent. Organized by Sri Lanka Cricket, the tournament ran from August 9 to August 31, 2012, featuring seven regional franchises based in cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla.

Each team registered a squad of 15 players, combining international stars and local talent, with player drafts held prior to the season. Despite initial delays due to financial and organizational issues, the league successfully completed its inaugural season, culminating in a final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Seven franchises participated: Uva Next, Nagenahira Warriors, Wayamba United, Colombo Kings, Kandurata Kites, Dambulla Sixers, and Ruhuna Royals, each representing a Sri Lankan region.
The player draft occurred in July 2012, allocating players through a bidding system, with marquee signings including Kumar Sangakkara and Shahid Afridi.
Each squad had 15 players, including a minimum of five overseas players, though final rosters varied slightly due to last-minute changes and injuries.
Dinesh Chandimal captained the Nagenahira Warriors, one of the youngest captains in the league, bringing leadership from his national team experience.
Uva Next featured star Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who also served as player-captain, making them a fan favorite.

Team Rosters and Player Allocations

Each franchise built its squad through a combination of local player drafts and international signings, aiming for a balance between experience and youth. The selection process emphasized regional representation while allowing for global appeal through foreign stars.

Uva Next: Led by Kumar Sangakkara, the squad included Lasith Malinga, David Hussey, and Jeevan Mendis, forming a strong all-round unit.
Nagenahira Warriors: Captained by Dinesh Chandimal, the team included Ajantha Mendis and Fawad Alam, blending youth and spin expertise.
Wayamba United: Featured Shahid Afridi as marquee player, alongside Upul Tharanga and Nuwan Kulasekara, aiming for balanced batting and bowling.
Colombo Kings: Included Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan, two explosive openers, making them one of the most feared batting lineups.
Kandurata Kites: Had Mahela Jayawardene as captain and Marlon Samuels, offering leadership and power-hitting capability.
Dambulla Sixers: Boasted Kieron Pollard and Angelo Mathews, combining all-round strength and local hero appeal.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the seven teams based on captain, key players, and final standings in the 2012 SLPL season.

Team	Captain	Key Players	Overseas Players	Final Standing
Uva Next	Kumar Sangakkara	Lasith Malinga, David Hussey	3	Runners-up
Nagenahira Warriors	Dinesh Chandimal	Ajantha Mendis, Fawad Alam	2	Group Stage
Wayamba United	Shahid Afridi	Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Kulasekara	3	Finalists
Colombo Kings	Tillakaratne Dilshan	Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons	4	Group Stage
Kandurata Kites	Mahela Jayawardene	Marlon Samuels, Chanaka Welegedara	3	Group Stage
Dambulla Sixers	Angelo Mathews	Kieron Pollard, Jeevan Mendis	3	Group Stage
Ruhuna Royals	Brad Hodge	Namal Kulasekara, Murali Vijay	3	Champions

The Ruhuna Royals emerged as champions after defeating Wayamba United in the final, showcasing strong performances from Brad Hodge and Namal Kulasekara. The tournament structure included a round-robin stage followed by playoffs, with the Royals winning all key knockout matches.

Why It Matters

The 2012 SLPL was significant as Sri Lanka’s first major attempt to launch a franchise-based T20 league, inspired by the success of the IPL. It provided a platform for domestic players to compete alongside international stars and helped revitalize post-war national interest in cricket.

The league boosted visibility for Sri Lankan cricket globally, attracting broadcasters and sponsors despite initial financial instability.
Young talents like Dinesh Chandimal and Ashen Priyanjan gained exposure, accelerating their progression into the national team setup.
International players such as Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi brought star power, increasing fan engagement and stadium attendance.
The SLPL set a precedent for future leagues in Sri Lanka, influencing the format of later tournaments like the Lanka Premier League (LPL) launched in 2020.
It highlighted organizational challenges, including last-minute franchise changes and funding issues, offering lessons for future cricket administrators.
The tournament promoted regional pride by assigning teams to specific provinces, strengthening local fan bases and community involvement.

Although the SLPL was discontinued after 2012 due to financial and governance issues, its legacy endured through player development and the eventual revival of franchise cricket in Sri Lanka with the LPL.