Vijay Shankar Leads Star-Studded Marquee Signings for LPL 2026

The Lanka Premier League 2026 is set to begin with an impressive lineup of international cricketers, as the tournament announced its marquee signings ahead of the player draft scheduled for June 1. Vijay Shankar, who recently retired from Indian domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, headlines the list after signing with Kandy Royals for his first stint in the LPL.

International Stars Flock to LPL 2026

The overseas signings feature some of the most recognizable names in T20 cricket. South Africa's Reeza Hendricks, England's Moeen Ali, Bangladesh's all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan have all secured deals with various LPL franchises ahead of the tournament.

"It's exciting to see such quality international players choosing to be part of the Lanka Premier League," said an LPL official. "The combination of experienced internationals with Sri Lanka's brightest talents makes for an compelling tournament."

Team-by-Team Marquee Signings

Kandy Royals have made the biggest splash, securing four players including Vijay Shankar from India, England's Moeen Ali, and Sri Lankan stars Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga. They lead the marquee signings alongside Dambulla Sixers, who have also signed four players: Reeza Hendricks (South Africa), Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka), Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka), and Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan).

SC Jaffna Kings, the defending champions, have made three signings headlined by Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, along with Sri Lankan talents Dunith Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

Galle Gallants and Colombo Kaps have each signed two players. Galle Gallants secured Eshan Malinga and Dasun Shanaka, while Colombo Kaps landed Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis.

Sri Lankan Talent Pool

The marquee signings feature an impressive roster of Sri Lankan internationals who round off the list: Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

Tournament regulations allowed teams a maximum of two overseas retentions plus two Sri Lankan marquee players before the player draft, creating a balanced mix of international experience and local talent.

Tournament Details

The fifth-team tournament, now in its sixth edition, will run from July 17 to August 8, promising an exciting month of T20 cricket featuring the best from Sri Lanka and around the world.

The player draft on June 1 will allow teams to further strengthen their squads with additional talent from the player pool.