Former Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who recently retired from international cricket, has signed up to play for the Kandy Royals in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) season. Shankar, known for his performance in the 2019 ODI World Cup, is expected to bring experience and balance to the team. The LPL has attracted a star-studded lineup including England’s Moeen Ali and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan for the tournament scheduled from July 17 to August 8 in Sri Lanka.
The Kandy Royals have also retained key players like Sri Lankan stars Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews, along with Moeen Ali, to strengthen their squad. Meanwhile, defending champions SC Jaffna Kings have kept Shakib Al Hasan in their lineup alongside Sri Lankan players Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela highlighted the league’s increasing popularity with these marquee signings.
The organizers have received over 650 overseas registrations from 21 countries for the player draft, indicating the growing international reach of the LPL since its inception in 2020. Additionally, the upcoming LPL season will feature Chris Gayle as the league’s brand ambassador. The tournament will include teams like SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, and Colombo Kaps competing in a double round-robin format, with the season opener scheduled for July 17 and the final on August 8.
