Nawaz among Pakistan players picked at LPL 2026 draft

COLOMBO: Five Pakistani cricketers secured contracts in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 players draft on Monday, with experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz among the notable names picked by franchises ahead of the upcoming season.

The draft, held in Colombo, saw players distributed across the tournament’s five franchises as teams finalised their squads for the sixth edition of the competition, which is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8.

Galle Gallants made the biggest move involving a Pakistani player by signing Mohammad Nawaz in the Platinum overseas category. The franchise further strengthened its squad by selecting emerging left-arm pacer Akif Javed in the Gold category.

Colombo Kaps also turned to Pakistan talent during the draft, acquiring wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris and fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani in the Gold category to bolster their overseas contingent.

Meanwhile, Dambulla Sixers added Pakistan pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr to their squad in the Gold category. He will join fellow countryman Sahibzada Farhan, who had already been signed by the franchise as their overseas icon player ahead of the draft.

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The LPL 2026 season will officially 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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