Zimbabwe star Sikandar Raza joins Dambulla Sixers as LPL 2026 confirms key player replacements
Kandy, July 30
Lanka Premier League has confirmed that Zimbabwe captain and all-rounder Sikandar Raza has joined Dambulla Sixers as a replacement for South African batter Marques Ackerman, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury.
Dambulla Sixers have strengthened their squad with the signing of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, one of the most sought-after all-rounders in franchise cricket, according to a release.
He arrives with an impressive T20 record, having scored 7572 runs at a strike rate of nearly 137 while also claiming 255 wickets with his off-spin across 374 T20 matches, including 139 T20 Internationals.
Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, said, "While player changes are an inevitable part of a tournament that features leading international cricketers, the strength and depth of the replacement pool ensure that the quality of competition remains exceptionally high. We are pleased to welcome players such as Sikandar Raza and others into the tournament and look forward to an exciting finish to what has already been a highly competitive edition of the Lanka Premier League."
Raza's experience across leading T20 leagues around the world is expected to provide a timely boost to the Dambulla Sixers as they push for a place in the knockout stage. The franchise currently sits fourth on the points table with four points from six matches, having won two and lost four, the release said.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been called up for national duty, will remain available for Dambulla's next match before departing the squad. He is scheduled to leave after tomorrow's fixture against Colombo KAPS.
Colombo KAPS have also confirmed two changes to their squad. Ashen Bandara has been drafted in to replace Kusal Mendis, who has been sidelined with an injury. In addition, Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud has returned home for national duty, with fellow Bangladeshi Ripon Mondol joining Colombo KAPS as his replacement, the release said.
Kandy Royals have signed Kavija Gamage to replace Vishen Halambage, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury.
Earlier, the Jaffna Kings confirmed that Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed would not travel to Sri Lanka after receiving a national team call-up. The franchise has named Bangladesh batter Tawhid Hridoy as his replacement, with Hridoy already having joined the squad.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's nice to see LPL attracting quality international players. But honestly, the constant replacements due to injuries and national duties make it hard for fans to connect with the teams. Raza is a good addition though — his off-spin will be handy on Sri Lankan pitches. 🇱🇰
Raza has been a T20 globe-trotter for a reason! 255 wickets and 7572 runs — those are numbers that any all-rounder would be proud of. Dambulla needed someone with experience and he fits the bill perfectly. Let's see if he can give them the momentum they need in the knockout race! 💪
Interesting to see players like Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed being called back for national duty mid-tournament. I understand the priority, but it disrupts the league's flow. That said, the replacements seem decent — Raza and Hridoy are quality. Just wish the squads could stay more stable. 😕
As a cricket fan, I'm glad to see Zimbabwe players getting opportunities in leagues like LPL. Raza has been a fantastic ambassador for Associate cricket. His experience in the PSL, BPL, and other leagues will definitely help Dambulla. Also, nice to see Tawhid Hridoy getting a chance — he's a rising star from Bangladesh! 🌟
The LPL is shaping up well, but these last-minute changes always make it feel a bit disjointed. Still, Raza is a class act — underrated in many ways. He's the kind of player who can single-handedly change the course of a match
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