India’s Vijay Shankar has been signed by Kandy Royals, making him the sole Indian player in the upcoming Lanka Premier League 2026. Meanwhile, Avishka Fernando from Sri Lanka was chosen as the top overall pick in the Season 6 Draft. The tournament, set to commence on July 17, 2026, will see five teams competing in a double round-robin format.
Franchises participating in the Lanka Premier League 2026 recently completed their squads through a draft. The teams, including SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, and Galle Gallants, have added a mix of international stars, emerging talents, and top Sri Lankan cricketers. This season is anticipated to be highly competitive.
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings made strategic selections in the draft, securing players like Avishka Fernando, David Wiese, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sandeep Lamichhane. Vijay Shankar’s participation in the league has garnered attention, especially among Indian cricket enthusiasts. He joins a strong Kandy Royals squad alongside players like Moeen Ali and Angelo Mathews.
The draft also saw other teams making significant additions to their line-ups. Colombo Kaps enlisted Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while Dambulla Sixers brought in Maheesh Theekshana and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Galle Gallants strengthened their team with players like Charith Asalanka and Rassie van der Dussen. The player draft attracted interest from over 650 overseas cricketers from 21 countries, showcasing the global appeal of the tournament.
Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela highlighted the competitiveness of the squads, emphasizing the blend of international experience and emerging talent. Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, CEO of IPG Group, expressed satisfaction with the response to the draft, underscoring the growing reputation of the Lanka Premier League worldwide.
