COLOMBO: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has signed for the Kandy Royals ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.
The sixth edition of the competition is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8.
LPL social media handles confirmed the left-arm pacer signing in an animated poster.
“The big one has arrived. Shaheen Shah Afridi is coming to LPL 2026 with the Kandy Royals! Pace warning: activated,” the caption of the post read.
During the LPL 2026 players’ draft, five Pakistani cricketers were picked by different franchises.
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Galle Gallants signed experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the Platinum Overseas category. Colombo Kaps included wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris and pacer Shahnawaz Dahani in the Gold category.
Meanwhile, Dambulla Sixers picked Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr in the Gold category; he joins Sahibzada Farhan, who was kept as the franchise’s Overseas Icon before the draft.
The LPL 2026 season will begin on July 17 with a rematch of the 2024 final between reigning champions Jaffna Kings and runners-up Galle Gallants.
The 2026 edition of the league will feature five teams, Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants and Dambulla Sixers, competing for the title.
The opening fixture will be played under lights at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, which recently hosted its maiden T20 International during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The tournament’s opening leg will remain in Colombo from July 17 to 19 before the action shifts to Dambulla and then Kandy.
The competition will subsequently return to Colombo for the playoffs and final, which will be staged at the R. Premadasa Stadium. A reserve day has also been scheduled for August 9 in case the weather affects the final.
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