The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has officially unveiled several high-profile international signings ahead of the Season 6 player draft, with Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar emerging as one of the biggest additions to this year’s tournament.
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League is scheduled to take place from July 17 to August 8 across multiple venues in Sri Lanka, with franchises already finalizing their core squads before the official player draft set for June 1.
Vijay Shankar, who represented India national cricket team at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, is expected to strengthen the Kandy franchise with his international experience, batting depth, and all-round capabilities.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer remains widely remembered for claiming a wicket with the very first delivery he bowled during the 2019 World Cup. Over the years, he has also built a strong reputation in franchise cricket competitions through consistent performances in both domestic and international T20 tournaments.
Shankar will now join a powerful Kandy squad featuring England star Moeen Ali alongside Sri Lankan internationals Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan has also been retained for the upcoming season, continuing his successful association with defending champions Jaffna Kings.
Jaffna Kings, widely regarded as the most successful franchise in LPL history, have retained several key players including Shakib Al Hasan, Dunith Wellalage, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as they attempt to defend their title once again.
Tournament organizers say the continued arrival of internationally recognized cricketers highlights the growing reputation and competitiveness of the Lanka Premier League within the global T20 cricket landscape.
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of IPG Group — the official rights holder of the LPL — stated that the tournament continues attracting talent from major cricketing nations, reflecting the league’s rapid growth and development in recent years.
He further emphasized that the presence of players such as Vijay Shankar, Moeen Ali, and Shakib Al Hasan would significantly strengthen the league’s quality, competitiveness, and entertainment value for cricket fans across South Asia and beyond.
Under tournament regulations, each franchise was allowed to retain up to two overseas marquee players and two Sri Lankan marquee players ahead of the official player draft.
For Sri Lanka, the Lanka Premier League has become an increasingly important platform for promoting local cricket talent, attracting international attention, and strengthening the country’s sports tourism industry. The tournament also provides valuable opportunities for young Sri Lankan cricketers to compete alongside globally recognized players and gain international exposure.
Cricket analysts believe the continued participation of major overseas stars will help further improve the LPL’s reputation among global T20 leagues while increasing international broadcasting interest and sponsorship opportunities.
The tournament is also expected to deliver major economic benefits through tourism, hotel bookings, local business activity, broadcasting revenue, and fan engagement across the country during the competition period.
Meanwhile, cricket fans across Sri Lanka are now eagerly awaiting the full squad announcements and player draft as excitement continues building ahead of another highly anticipated season of the Lanka Premier League.
What happens next will depend on the outcome of the upcoming player draft and how franchises finalize their squads before the tournament officially begins in July.
