LPL 2026 attracts top international talent ahead of player draft

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set for a strong sixth edition, with several leading international and Sri Lankan cricketers confirmed as pre-signed players ahead of the official Player Draft scheduled to take place on June 1 in Colombo.

The 2026 edition of the LPL will be played from July 17 to August 8 across key cricket venues in Sri Lanka, including Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. 

The tournament will feature five franchises, 20 league-stage matches, followed by the Qualifiers, Eliminator and Final.

The latest pre-signing window has reflected the growing appeal of the LPL among established international cricketers, proven T20 performers and emerging stars. 

Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar has joined Kandy Royals, shortly after announcing his retirement from Indian domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. His signing adds international experience and all-round depth to the Kandy-based franchise ahead of the new season. 

Shankar has previously represented India in ODI and T20I cricket, while also featuring for IPL franchises including Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, the statement said. 

Kandy Royals, champions of the 2023 edition, have assembled one of the most balanced pre-signed groups, featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali and Vijay Shankar. The combination gives the Royals strong local leadership, all-round strength and international franchise cricket experience.

Among the headline pre-signings, Dambulla Sixers have secured Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan, one of the breakout performers of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He will be joined by South African opener Reeza Hendricks, alongside Sri Lankan players Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera, giving the Sixers a strong core across batting and bowling.

Four-time champions Jaffna Kings have further strengthened their line-up with Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage provide strong Sri Lankan representation, according to the statement.

Colombo Kaps have also made a strong statement by pre-signing New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and Australian batter Ben McDermott, who will join Sri Lankan batting talents Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Meanwhile, Galle Gallants will feature Dasun Shanaka, Eshan Malinga, South African batter Rassie van der Dussen and Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza among their pre-signed players.

Commenting on the strength of the player line-up, Lanka Premier League Director, Samantha Dodanwela said, “The quality of players attracted to the Lanka Premier League this season reflects the tournament’s growing stature as a competitive T20 platform. 

The presence of leading Sri Lankan players together with experienced international cricketers adds significant value to the league, strengthens franchise competition and gives fans a high-quality cricketing product to look forward to.”

IPG Founder and Chairman, Anil Mohan said, “LPL Season 6 is shaping up to be one of the strongest editions of the tournament. The calibre of pre-signed players shows that international cricketers and franchise owners see clear value in the league. Our focus is to continue building the LPL as a commercially strong, professionally managed and globally visible cricket property.”

The remaining squad positions will be completed through the official Player Draft, where franchises will build on their pre-signed cores and finalise their combinations for the season, the statement added.

With strong franchise ownership, an expanding broadcast ecosystem and a growing mix of Sri Lankan and international talent, LPL Season 6 is expected to deliver a highly competitive tournament and further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the global T20 cricket landscape.