Lanka Premier League Season 6: Star Players Set to Shine in Upcoming Draft
Exciting Lineup for Lanka Premier League Season 6
Colombo [Sri Lanka], May 26: The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has announced an impressive roster of marquee players ahead of the player draft scheduled for June 1. Among the highlights is Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who will be joining Kandy Royals for the upcoming season.
Notable names such as England's Moeen Ali and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan are also part of the retained players as franchises finalize their core teams for the sixth edition of the league, which will take place from July 17 to August 8 across Sri Lanka.
Shankar, who made his mark during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he took a wicket with his first delivery, brings a wealth of experience to the Kandy Royals. He joins a strong lineup that includes Moeen Ali and Sri Lankan stars Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga, as teams prepare for the new season, according to a press release from the LPL.
Recently, Shankar announced his retirement from international cricket, having played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India between 2018 and 2019. He was part of the Indian squad during the 2019 ODI World Cup held in England.
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, the Founder and CEO of IPG Group, which holds the official rights for the LPL, stated, “The Lanka Premier League is attracting top talent from around the world, showcasing its growing importance in the global T20 landscape. With players like Vijay Shankar, Moeen Ali, and Shakib Al Hasan participating this season, the LPL is becoming a significant platform for high-quality cricket and international competition. Our aim is to enhance the league's presence in South Asia while providing an exceptional experience for both players and fans.”
The defending champions, SC Jaffna Kings, who have been the most successful franchise in LPL history, have retained Shakib Al Hasan along with Sri Lankan players Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as they aim to maintain their dominance in the league. Each franchise was allowed to keep up to two overseas and two Sri Lankan marquee players before the draft.
Samantha Dodanwela, the Tournament Director of LPL, remarked, “The marquee lineup illustrates the increasing strength and global appeal of the Lanka Premier League. Franchises have retained a solid mix of international experience and local talent, setting the stage perfectly for the player draft. With several top overseas and local players already confirmed, fans can look forward to another thrilling and competitive season of the LPL.”
The upcoming player draft is anticipated to further enhance team rosters across the league, with over 650 registrations from international players across 21 cricketing nations received ahead of the sixth edition. This response highlights the tournament's steady growth since its inception in 2020.
This season also welcomes added star power with Chris Gayle being appointed as the league's Brand Ambassador. The “Universe Boss” is expected to play a pivotal role in generating excitement around a tournament that continues to draw some of the biggest names in cricket.
LPL Season 6 will feature teams including SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, and Colombo Kaps competing in a double round-robin format, followed by playoffs. The tournament will kick off on July 17, 2026, with an opening ceremony and a match between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants at the SSC Ground in Colombo, culminating in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium on August 8, 2026.
LPL Season 6 – Marquee Signings
-Dambulla Sixers: Reeza Hendricks (South Africa), Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka), Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka), Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
-Kandy Royals: Vijay Shankar (India), Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Moeen Ali (England)
-Galle Gallants: Eshan Malinga (Sri Lanka), Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
-Colombo Kaps: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka), Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
-SC Jaffna Kings: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Dunit Wellalage (Sri Lanka), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka).