India all-rounder Vijay Shankar is set to be the sole Indian participant in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after being signed by the Kandy Royals. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Season 6 Draft, as all five franchises finalized their squads for the tournament's sixth edition.
Draft Highlights
The draft, conducted ahead of the competition scheduled from July 17 to August 8, saw franchises strengthen their rosters with a blend of established international stars, emerging overseas talent, and top Sri Lankan cricketers. According to a release, this sets the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in the league's history.
Top Picks and Key Signings
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings, holding the first overall selection, opened the draft by picking Avishka Fernando. They further bolstered their squad with experienced all-rounder David Wiese, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, and Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. These players join marquee signings Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as the franchise aims to defend its title.
For Indian cricket fans, a major talking point is Vijay Shankar's participation. The all-rounder, who represented India at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, joins a formidable Kandy Royals lineup featuring Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Angelo Mathews. The Royals also added Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Daniel Sams, Kusal Perera, and Nuwan Thushara through the draft.
Other Franchise Moves
Colombo Kaps strengthened their lineup with international recruit Mujeeb Ur Rahman, complementing icon players Jimmy Neesham, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis. Dambulla Sixers added proven match-winners Maheesh Theekshana and Fazalhaq Farooqi to their ranks alongside marquee signings Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera. Galle Gallants enhanced their squad with Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, joining marquee signings Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga.
Global Interest
The player draft generated significant international interest, with over 650 overseas cricketers from 21 countries registering for selection. This underscores the growing global appeal of the Lanka Premier League and its emergence as a leading T20 competition in the region.
Officials' Statements
Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the LPL, stated that the quality of players secured through the draft reflects the league's continued growth and competitiveness. He added that the squads feature an exciting blend of international experience, emerging overseas talent, and some of Sri Lanka's finest cricketers, promising a highly competitive tournament for fans.
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of IPG Group, the official rights holder of the LPL, noted that the response to this year's player draft has been outstanding. With registrations from 21 countries and the addition of several accomplished international cricketers alongside Sri Lanka's leading players, the league continues to strengthen its position as one of the premier T20 competitions in the region.
Tournament Format
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League will feature five teams: SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, and Galle Gallants. They will compete in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs. The tournament begins on July 17 and concludes with the final on August 8.
