26 May,2026 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vijay Shankar (Pic: Lanka Premier League)
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has unveiled a star-studded list of marquee signings ahead of the Season 6 player draft on June 1, headlined by India all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who is set to join the tournament for the upcoming season. England's Moeen Ali and Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan also feature among the biggest names retained as franchises lock in their core squads for the sixth edition of the league, scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8 across Sri Lanka.
Shankar, who represented India at the 2019 global cricket event and claimed a wicket with his very first delivery in the tournament, brings extensive international and domestic experience to the Royals setup. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder joins a formidable Kandy core featuring England's Moeen Ali, alongside Sri Lankan stalwarts Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga, as franchises begin shaping their squads for the new season.
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings, the most successful franchise in LPL history, retained Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan alongside Sri Lankan internationals Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as they look to continue their dominance in the competition. As per tournament regulations, each franchise was permitted to retain up to two overseas and two Sri Lankan marquee players ahead of the draft.
The upcoming player draft is expected to further strengthen squads across the league, with more than 650 overseas player registrations received from 21 cricketing nations ahead of the sixth edition. The response continues to underline the steady rise of the tournament since its launch in 2020.
The 2026 season also comes with added star power following the appointment of Chris Gayle as the league's Brand Ambassador. The "Universe Boss" is expected to play a key role in amplifying the excitement around a tournament that continues to attract some of the biggest names in world cricket.
LPL season 6 will feature SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, and Colombo Kaps competing in a double round-robin format followed by the playoffs. The tournament will get underway on July 17, 2026 with an opening ceremony and a clash between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants at the SSC Ground in Colombo, before culminating with the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium on August 8, 2026.
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