The countdown to the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) gathered momentum on Monday as all five franchises completed their squads during an eventful Player Draft that saw 93 local and overseas cricketers secure contracts for the 2026 season.
Players from 12 countries were selected during the draft, underlining the tournament’s growing international appeal ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8 across Colombo, Dambulla and Pallekele.
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Four-time champions Jaffna Kings assembled a 19-player squad, while Dambulla Sixers opted for 18 players. Colombo Kaps, Galle Gallants and Kandy Royals each completed 20-player rosters as franchises combined proven international stars with Sri Lanka’s leading talent and a promising crop of emerging youngsters.
The draft began with the Platinum Local category, where Jaffna Kings secured explosive opener Avishka Fernando as their marquee local selection. Other franchises invested heavily in frontline bowlers and established performers, with Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka among the headline picks.
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Afghanistan once again emerged as one of the most sought-after cricketing nations in the draft. Mystery spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman joined Colombo Kaps, left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was snapped up by Dambulla Sixers, while wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz headed to Kandy Royals. Jaffna Kings further strengthened the Afghan presence by signing top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran in the Gold Overseas category.
Colombo Kaps focused heavily on strengthening their batting resources, adding Sri Lankan internationals Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage to a squad that already featured pre-signed stars Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Jimmy Neesham and Ben McDermott.
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The franchise, guided by former Sri Lanka batter and head coach Chamara Kapugedera, also secured Pakistan pace bowler Shahnawaz Dahani and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, adding depth and versatility to the squad. Emerging wicketkeeper-batter Sharujan Shanmuganathan was among the notable Under-23 selections.
Dambulla Sixers emerged from the draft with one of the tournament’s most balanced bowling line-ups. The franchise paired Sri Lankan speedster Dushmantha Chameera with overseas recruits Fazalhaq Farooqi and Pakistan pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr., while Associate Star Shadley van Schalkwyk added further depth.
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Their spin department also looks formidable, featuring Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya and Ramesh Mendis. Veteran all-rounder Gulbadin Naib and promising South African batter Dian Forrester provide additional balance to a squad coached by former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath.
Galle Gallants, led by Dasun Shanaka, built their squad around multi-dimensional players. Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne joined the franchise alongside Bangladesh star Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz, giving the Gallants significant depth in both batting and spin bowling.
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The team further strengthened its resources by recruiting UAE left-arm spinner Haider Ali, Pakistan fast bowler Akif Javed and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper, complementing a core that already includes Rassie van der Dussen and Litton Das.
Defending powerhouses Jaffna Kings addressed key areas by bringing in Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara and Ibrahim Zadran to reinforce their batting order.
The franchise also secured the services of veteran Namibian all-rounder David Wiese, Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, South African pacer Lizaad Williams and Nepal’s dynamic all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. Combined with pre-signed stars Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage, Jaffna once again appear among the strongest contenders for the title.
Kandy Royals continued to build around star all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews, while overseas signings Moeen Ali and Vijay Shankar had already added significant experience before the draft.
The Royals then strengthened their top order with Kusal Perera and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, while Nuwan Thushara and Asitha Fernando were recruited to spearhead the pace attack.
Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams, Afghanistan wrist-spinner Zahir Khan and New Zealand batter Dale Phillips further boosted the squad, while Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen joined as the team’s Associate Star.
The draft also highlighted Sri Lanka’s next generation of cricketers, with Dewa Pawan Sandesh de Silva and Sharujan Shanmuganathan among the standout Under-23 selections.
Associate cricket continued to receive strong representation, with Nepal captain Kushal Bhurtel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Brandon McMullen, Haider Ali and Shadley van Schalkwyk all earning contracts across the five franchises.
With squads now finalised and a host of international stars set to share the stage with Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, anticipation is building for what promises to be another highly competitive and entertaining edition of the Lanka Premier League .
Azhar Khan is an accomplished senior sports journalist with extensive experience in the field. He can be reached at azharmasood786@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @azharmasood786
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