Re-launch
In February 2012, SLC signed a renewed deal with Somerset Entertainment Ventures to hold the tournament in August 2012. The matches will be held at Colombo and Kandy, with the seven teams as originally planned. The BCCI has said that Indian players in the SLPL was a possibility. The SLPL is in partnership with the MCC Spirit of Cricket initiative, similar to that of the one established by MCC and the DLF Indian Premier League in 2008. In June 2012, the tournament went through a major structural change. Instead of the provincial teams, there will be franchises owned by private owners like the IPL and BPL. Seven franchises will take part in the inaugural tournament.
The SLPL was officially launched on 16 July 2012 at Cinnamon Grand hotel in Colombo at an event attended by a host of media personnel and cricketers. Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Upali Dharmadasa announced plans to add two more franchises in the following years to the league and cricket into all areas of the nation. It was announced that like the Indian Premier League there will be cheerleaders and other entertainment during the tournament. The night also saw the launch of the official website, mascot, theme song and logo of the SLPL.
Read more about this topic: Sri Lankan T20 Premier League, History