Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Thursday Jun 04, 2026
Monday, 1 June 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The countdown to the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) begins with the player draft at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, today (1) from 2:30 p.m., where franchises will finalise their squads from a talent pool featuring leading international and domestic cricketers.
A total of 421 players will be available for selection after more than 650 players from across the globe registered their interest in participating in the tournament.
The draft marks the official start of preparations for LPL 2026, which will be played from 17 July to 18 August across Colombo, Dambulla, and Pallekele.
Among the standout names available in the Platinum category are Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza, South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, Australia all-rounder Ashton Agar, and Pakistan internationals Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz.
Franchises will also have the opportunity to strengthen their squads with established T20 performers such as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Evin Lewis, Chris Lynn, Wiaan Mulder, and Ryan Burl.
The five participating teams — Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, Jaffna Kings, and Kandy Royals — will assemble squads of between 18 and 20 players as they balance local talent with overseas experience ahead of the new season.
The player pool also includes several notable Pakistan cricketers, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim, Akif Javed, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
Teams seeking spin options will have a wealth of choices, including Ish Sodhi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Piyush Chawla, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Cole McConchie. While experienced international campaigners such as Litton Das is a direct signing, Mushfiqur Rahim, Martin Guptill, Temba Bavuma, Gulbadin Naib, and Rahkeem Cornwall are also available for selection.
As part of tournament regulations, every franchise must select at least one player from the Associate Star category. Among the leading candidates are USA fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nepal star Dipendra Singh Airee, Scotland seamer Safyaan Sharif, USA Captain Monank Patel, Corey Anderson, and Ali Khan.
The Associate Star category also features a strong contingent from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering franchises an opportunity to tap into one of cricket’s fastest-rising associate nations. UAE Captain Muhammad Waseem headlines the group alongside wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind, all-rounders Basil Hameed and Aayan Afzal Khan, experienced pacers Junaid Siddique and Zahoor Khan, emerging batter Alishan Sharafu, and left-arm fast bowler Muhammad Jawadullah.
With a blend of international experience and proven T20 pedigree, UAE players are expected to attract significant interest during the draft as teams look to satisfy their Associate Star requirements while adding quality depth to their squads.
