Days after retiring from international cricket, Vijay Shankar joins LPL 2026 marquee lineup
Colombo, May 26
Just three days after announcing his retirement from international cricket, former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been unveiled as one of the marquee signings for the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League, scheduled to be held from July 17 to August 8 across Sri Lanka.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer will represent Kandy Royals in LPL 2026 and joins a star-studded lineup that includes England all-rounder Moeen Ali and Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan among the top overseas names retained ahead of the player draft on June 1.
Shankar, who represented India at the 2019 ODI World Cup and famously picked up a wicket with his very first delivery in the tournament, is expected to add valuable experience and balance to the Kandy Royals squad.
The franchise has retained a strong core featuring Sri Lankan stars Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews, along with Moeen Ali, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings retained Shakib Al Hasan alongside Sri Lankan internationals Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as they aim to continue their dominance in the tournament.
Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela said the latest marquee announcements underline the growing popularity of the league.
"The marquee lineup reflects the growing strength and global appeal of the Lanka Premier League. Franchises have retained a strong mix of international experience and Sri Lankan talent, which sets the tone perfectly ahead of the player draft," he said.
The organisers also revealed that more than 650 overseas registrations from 21 cricketing nations have been received for the upcoming draft, highlighting the tournament's expanding international reach since its launch in 2220.
LPL 2026 will also see West Indies legend Chris Gayle serve as the league's brand ambassador.
The tournament 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 season opener between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants will take place at the SSC Ground in Colombo on July 17, while the final is scheduled for August 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
— IANS
Reader Comments
First time I'm hearing about this league actually having 650 registrations from 21 countries. That's massive growth! Makes sense for Indian players to go there - close to home, similar conditions. Smart move by Shankar to keep his game alive.
Honestly, retiring from international cricket after just 12 ODIs and 11 T20Is is a bit premature. He was only 33! But if he's getting good offers in leagues like LPL, who are we to judge? At least he's not just sitting at home. Hope he shows his talent in the middle order.
Good to see Shakib and Moeen in the same league. And Chris Gayle as brand ambassador! 😎 LPL is becoming a proper mini-IPL. Wish they had more Indian players though - our domestic cricketers are far better than some overseas who get these contracts.
The article says LPL launched in 2220? 😂 That's a typo! Otherwise this is a good opportunity for players like Shankar. Kandy Royals have a strong core - Hasaranga, Mathews, Moeen...and now Shankar. They might actually win it this season.
I remember his wicket on first ball in 2019 WC - that was special. But he never became the player we hoped. Still, good for him to earn in leagues. Just wish BCCI would let more Indian domestic players participate in leagues like LPL - our bench strength is wasted otherwise.
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