LPL 2026: Sahibzada Farhan, Shakib Al Hasan among big pre-signings
Official player draft to take place on 1 June in Colombo
COLOMBO: The five franchises of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) have announced their pre-signed player selections ahead of the sixth edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from 17 July to 18 August across Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla.
The remaining squad spots will be filled during the official Player Draft on 1 June in Colombo.
Dambulla Sixers have made one of the standout acquisitions by signing breakout star of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sahibzada Farhan.
The Pakistan batter produced a sensational campaign, scoring 383 runs in seven matches, including two centuries and two half-centuries.
He will be joined by experienced South African opener Reeza Hendricks, alongside Sri Lankan internationals Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera, forming a strong core for the franchise.
Four-time champions Jaffna Kings have strengthened their squad with Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. They will continue to rely on local firepower from Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage.
2023 champions Kandy Royals have built a well-balanced side featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Moeen Ali and Angelo Mathews.
They have also added Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, whose experience in international cricket and the IPL is expected to bring depth and composure to the squad.
Colombo Kaps have made a strong statement by signing New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and Australian power-hitter Ben McDermott.
They will combine with Sri Lankan stars Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis to bolster their batting strength.
Galle Gallants have included Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, rising pacer Eshan Malinga and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen.
The sixth edition of the LPL will feature 20 league-stage matches, followed by the Qualifiers, Eliminator and Final, all staged across Sri Lanka’s premier venues in Colombo, Pallekele and Dambulla.
The Player Draft on 1 June will complete squad compositions ahead of the tournament.
Complete list of pre-signed players:
Colombo Kaps
- Local Icon: Kusal Mendis
- Local Star: Kamindu Mendis
- Overseas Icon: Jimmy Neesham
- Ovreseas Star: Ben McDermott
Dambulla Sixers
- Local Icon: Dushmantha Chameera
- Local Star: Dinesh Chandimal
- Overseas Icon: Sahibzada Farhan
- Ovreseas Star: Reeza Hendricks
Galle Gallants
- Local Icon: Dasun Shanaka
- Local Star: Eshan Malinga
- Overseas Icon: Rassie Ve Der Dussen
- Ovreseas Star:
Jaffna Kings
- Local Icon: Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Local Star: Dunith Wellalage
- Overseas Icon: Shakib Al Hasan
- Ovreseas Star: Taskin Ahmed
Kandy Royals
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