Vijay Shankar to Represent India in Lanka Premier League 2026
Vijay Shankar Joins Kandy Royals for LPL 2026
Colombo [Sri Lanka], June 2: Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar is poised to be the sole representative from India in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, having been signed by Kandy Royals. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Fernando was the top pick in the Season 6 Draft, as teams finalized their rosters for this year’s tournament.
The draft took place ahead of the competition scheduled from July 17 to August 8, with all five franchises enhancing their teams by incorporating a mix of seasoned international players, promising overseas talent, and top Sri Lankan cricketers. This sets the stage for what is anticipated to be one of the most thrilling seasons in the league's history.
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings kicked off the draft by selecting Avishka Fernando as their first overall choice. They further strengthened their lineup by adding experienced all-rounder David Wiese, Afghanistan's opener Ibrahim Zadran, and Nepal's leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, alongside marquee players Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, as they aim to defend their title.
Indian cricket fans are particularly excited about Vijay Shankar's participation, who previously played for India in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. He joins a strong Kandy Royals team that includes Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Angelo Mathews. The Royals also enhanced their squad with the draft selections of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Daniel Sams, Kusal Perera, and Nuwan Thushara.
In other developments, Colombo Kaps have added international player Mujeeb Ur Rahman to their roster, complementing local stars Jimmy Neesham and Kusal Mendis. Dambulla Sixers have brought in match-winners Maheesh Theekshana and Fazalhaq Farooqi, alongside marquee signings Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera. Galle Gallants have also fortified their squad with Sri Lanka's captain Charith Asalanka and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, joining marquee players Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga.
The player draft attracted considerable international attention, with over 650 overseas cricketers from 21 nations registering for selection, highlighting the growing global interest in the Lanka Premier League as it establishes itself as a leading T20 competition in the region.
Samantha Dodanwela, the Tournament Director, remarked that the quality of players acquired by the franchises through the draft showcases the league's ongoing growth and competitiveness. She stated, “The squads feature an exciting blend of international experience, emerging overseas talent, and some of Sri Lanka's finest cricketers. The balance across all five teams promises a highly competitive tournament and an exciting experience for fans.”
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, the Founder and CEO of IPG Group, which holds the official rights to the LPL, expressed satisfaction with the response to this year’s draft. He noted, “With registrations from 21 countries and the addition of several accomplished international cricketers alongside Sri Lanka's leading players, we are seeing the league continue to strengthen its position as one of the premier T20 competitions in the region.”
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League will feature SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, and Galle Gallants competing in a double round-robin format, followed by playoffs. The tournament is set to commence on July 17 and will conclude with the final on August 8.