Lanka Premier League Season 6: Star Players and Exciting Draft Ahead
Exciting Player Draft Announcement
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has revealed an impressive lineup of marquee players ahead of the player draft scheduled for June 1. Notable among them is Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who will be joining Kandy Royals for the upcoming season. Other prominent players include England's Moeen Ali and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, as franchises finalize their core teams for the sixth season, which will take place from July 17 to August 8 across Sri Lanka.
Vijay Shankar's Experience
Vijay Shankar, who made his mark at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, adds significant international and domestic experience to the Kandy Royals. He joins a strong team that includes Moeen Ali and Sri Lankan legends Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga. Recently, Shankar announced his retirement from international cricket, having played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India between 2018 and 2019.
LPL's Growing Reputation
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, the Founder and CEO of IPG Group, which holds the official rights to the LPL, stated, "The Lanka Premier League is increasingly attracting top talent from around the world, showcasing its rising status in the global T20 landscape. With stars like Vijay Shankar, Moeen Ali, and Shakib Al Hasan participating this season, the LPL is becoming a premier platform for high-quality cricket and international competition. Our goal is to enhance the league's visibility in South Asia while providing an exceptional experience for players and fans alike."
Franchise Retention Insights
The defending champions, SC Jaffna Kings, who hold the record for the most successful franchise in LPL history, have retained Shakib Al Hasan along with Sri Lankan players Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Each franchise was allowed to keep up to two overseas and two Sri Lankan marquee players before the draft.
Anticipation for a Competitive Season
Samantha Dodanwela, the Tournament Director of LPL, remarked, "The marquee lineup showcases the increasing strength and global appeal of the Lanka Premier League. The franchises have maintained a robust mix of international and Sri Lankan talent, setting the stage for an exciting player draft. With numerous top players already confirmed, fans can look forward to a thrilling and competitive season of the LPL."
Upcoming Player Draft and Star Power
The forthcoming player draft is expected to bolster team rosters across the league, with over 650 overseas player registrations from 21 cricketing nations already received. This response highlights the tournament's steady growth since its inception in 2020. The 2026 season will also feature added star power with Chris Gayle appointed as the league's Brand Ambassador, expected to enhance the excitement surrounding the tournament.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The sixth season of the LPL will include teams such as SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, and Colombo Kaps, competing in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs. The tournament kicks 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 R. Premadasa Stadium on August 8, 2026.
Marquee Signings Overview
- **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)