Mumbai: The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has marked another major milestone ahead of its sixth season, welcoming Indian sports consortium Witness Sports Alliance LLC, led by entrepreneurs Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, as the new owners of the Colombo franchise. The team has been rebranded with a refreshed identity as the Colombo Kaps, symbolizing a new era of cross-border collaboration in South Asian cricket.
The development comes as the LPL gears up for what is being described as its biggest and most competitive season yet — one that will, for the first time, feature Indian players in the tournament. The acquisition further underscores the league’s growing global appeal and its ability to attract top-tier investors and cricketing talent from around the world.
“We are delighted to welcome Witness Sports Alliance LLC to the Lanka Premier League family,” said Samantha Dodanwela, Director of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). “Their entry reaffirms the LPL’s position as a competitive and commercially attractive league that continues to bring together global investors and top cricketing talent. With the Colombo Kaps, we look forward to a new chapter of growth and innovation for the league.”
Led by experienced sports entrepreneurs Palaniswamy and Kangayan, Witness Sports Alliance brings a proven track record in franchise cricket through their ventures in India. Palaniswamy, a seasoned business leader and sports investor, and Kangayan, a cricket executive and former CEO & Executive Director of the Ruby Trichy Warriors in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), have been instrumental in developing professional cricket ecosystems across the subcontinent. The duo also co-own the Ruby White Town Legends in the Pondicherry Premier League (PPL).
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Sri Lankan cricket,” said Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, Directors of Witness Sports Alliance LLC. “The Lanka Premier League has emerged as a vibrant platform that connects regional cricketing talent with global audiences. Through the Colombo Kaps, our goal is to contribute to the league’s long-term success by building a competitive, fan-focused, and professionally managed franchise.”
The addition of Witness Sports Alliance builds on the league’s recent momentum and its expanding international footprint. With strong investor participation, enhanced production standards, and the inclusion of Indian players, LPL Season 6 is shaping up to be a landmark edition.
The Colombo Kaps are expected to unveil their new identity, jersey, and key signings in the coming weeks, setting the stage for what promises to be the most exciting season in the history of the Lanka Premier League.
