Vijay Shankar Joins Lankan Premier League
Vijay Shankar, a prominent all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, has made headlines by joining the Lankan Premier League (LPL). This marks him as the fifth Indian cricketer to be part of the league, following in the footsteps of several notable players. Kandy Royals officially announced his inclusion in their squad for the upcoming 2026 Lankan Premier League, which is set to begin on July 17.
Shankar’s decision to sign with Kandy Royals came just four days after he announced his retirement from international cricket on May 22. In his retirement statement, he expressed his desire to explore global opportunities. The Kandy Royals’ social media post highlighted his arrival with the message, “You’ve seen him before in the heat of battle… but never like this. Different stage. Same calm fire. Now entering Kandy Royals.”
A New Chapter for Shankar
Shankar, who previously played for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will now join his former CSK teammate Manreet Gony and other Indian players in the LPL. His move to the Lankan Premier League represents a new chapter in his career, allowing him to showcase his skills on an international stage.
Indians in the Lankan Premier League
Here is a list of Indian players who have participated in the Lankan Premier League:
- Manpreet Gony – Colombo Kings (2020)
- Irfan Pathan – Kandy Tuskers (2020)
- Munaf Patel – Kandy Tuskers (2020)
- Sudeep Tyagi – Dambulla Viking (2020)
- Vijay Shankar – Kandy Royals (2026)
LPL 2026: A Revamped Format
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League is set to return from July 17 to August 8, 2026, after a two-year gap. Organised by Sri Lanka Cricket alongside the IPG Group, the tournament was delayed to facilitate preparations for the Men’s T20 World Cup. The defending champions, Jaffna Kings, will face Galle Titans in the opening clash, while the final will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Expansion and Changes
The 2026 LPL draft, scheduled for June 1, has attracted over 650 overseas registrations from 21 countries. Pakistan leads the list with 102 players, followed by the West Indies with 75 and South Africa with 66. Sri Lanka Cricket will narrow down the pool to 310 shortlisted names.
A significant change this season is the no-retention policy, which limits teams to four pre-draft picks. Additionally, the league will expand to four venues for the first time, featuring 24 league matches and a four-team playoff structure to determine the champion.
Conclusion
Vijay Shankar’s move to the Lankan Premier League highlights the growing international appeal of the tournament. With its revamped format and increased participation, the LPL is set to deliver exciting cricketing action in 2026. As the league continues to attract top talent from around the world, fans can look forward to an even more competitive and thrilling season.
