Ceylon Pickle League debuts as Sri Lanka enters franchise sports era

Weligama Sharks Co-Owner Avishka Perera, Kandy Knights Co-Owner Shuhail Yaseen, Eventistry Sports and Co-Owner, Director Ceylon Pickle League Karin Wijeratne, Bentota Nyners Owner Nayantara Fonseka, Colombo Pickle Club and Ceylon Pickle League Co-Owner Subraj Subramaniam, Trinco Titans Co-Owner Hardy Jamaldeen, Colombo Aces Co-Owner Viren Beruwalage and Yaal Dinkers Representative Reshwan Perera  - Pic by Shehan Gunasekara 

By Michelle Therese Alles

As Sri Lanka’s sports industry explores opportunities beyond its traditional cricket-centric landscape, organisers behind the newly launched Ceylon Pickle League (CPL) are seeking to establish a franchise-based sporting property built around competition, corporate partnerships, and sports marketing. 

Launched at Havelock City Mall last week, the CPL will become Sri Lanka’s first franchise-based pickleball competition when it gets underway from 16 to 18 October at the Colombo Pickle Club, marking the latest addition to a growing portfolio of franchise-driven sporting properties being developed locally.

Eventistry Sports Founder Karin Wijeratne said the objective was to create more than a traditional tournament.

“Sports marketing is booming globally, and franchise sports have become a powerful platform for brands, investors, and fans. We believe Sri Lanka is ready for more of these professionally managed sports properties,” she added.

Eventistry Sports Director Ifham Ariff said racket sports were experiencing strong growth locally, creating opportunities for new sporting properties and commercial partnerships.

“The CPL is Sri Lanka’s first franchise pickleball league and represents another step in building professionally managed franchise sports in the country. We see significant potential for players, brands, and corporates to engage with emerging sports in new ways,” he said.

According to organisers, all eight franchises were sold prior to the League’s official launch, indicating early corporate interest in the concept. The teams competing in the inaugural edition are Colombo Aces, Trinco Titans, Weligama Sharks, Ella Archers, Kandy Knights, Yaal Dinkers, Bentota Nyners, and Galle Kings.

Ariff further said the CPL builds on Eventistry Sports’ involvement in initiatives such as the Sri Lanka Padel League and Ceylon Golf League. 

Beyond its commercial ambitions, organisers also highlighted pickleball’s accessibility as a key factor behind the sport’s growing popularity.

Colombo Pickle Club Co-Founder Subraja Subramaniam said awareness of pickleball remained relatively low in Sri Lanka despite a rapidly expanding player base.

“We’ve seen the community grow significantly over the last six months. People come and try the sport and many continue playing. It’s accessible across age groups, affordable, and easy to pick up, which is helping drive interest,” he said.

The inaugural competition will feature Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Men’s Singles, and Masters Doubles categories, while international players from India are also expected to participate. The League will additionally introduce a player auction later this year, bringing a franchise-style recruitment process to the competition.

The CPL has secured a number of corporate partners for its inaugural season, including Sampath Bank as Title Partner and Sports Nutrition Hub as Powered By Partner. Other partners include Havelock City Mall, Red Bull, Wilson, Granbell Hotel, Winfield, AV1, and E FM. Broadcast coverage will be carried by PEO TV, while production will be handled by KSN Live.

Adding further profile to the League is the involvement of Sri Lanka international cricketer Matheesha Pathirana, who has acquired the Yaal Dinkers franchise.

With franchise ownership, player auctions, corporate sponsorship, and broadcast partnerships forming part of its structure, the CPL will provide an early indication of the commercial potential of emerging sports properties in Sri Lanka.