"Twenty20’s massive popularity and status as the most exciting and entertaining format of cricket will be further enhanced by this newest tournament to the world of cricket," read a Sri Lanka Cricket statement.
While SLC kept mum on the international stars likely to take part, local media named the likes of Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, Daniel Vettori, Kieron Pollard, Daniel Christian, Herschelle Gibbs and Kevin O'Brien.
The teams will play each other once, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Champions League Twenty20, which is jointly promoted by the boards of India and South Africa.
All the SLPL games will be day-night encounters and played at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. Each squad can have a maximum of f