Towhid Hridoy joins Jaffna Kings in LPL 2026, replacing Taskin Ahmed
Synopsis
Bangladesh T20I captain Towhid Hridoy steps into the LPL 2026 spotlight with Jaffna Kings after Taskin Ahmed's abrupt exit. With 4,057 T20 runs and a string of impressive international knocks in 2025–26, Hridoy is more than a replacement — he could be the batting catalyst a one-win Kings side badly needs.
Key Takeaways
Towhid Hridoy , Bangladesh's T20I captain , has joined Jaffna Kings for LPL 2026 as a replacement for Taskin Ahmed .
Taskin Ahmed was ruled out due to unavailability and could not join the franchise.
Hridoy has scored 4,057 runs in 168 T20 matches at an average of 30.73 , including two centuries .
His recent international highlights include an unbeaten 51 off 27 balls vs New Zealand and 61 vs Australia .
Jaffna Kings have won one and lost one of their opening two LPL 2026 matches; their next game is against Colombo KAPS in Dambulla .
Bangladesh T20I captain Towhid Hridoy has been drafted into the Jaffna Kings squad for the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, replacing compatriot Taskin Ahmed after the latter was ruled out due to unavailability. The Players' Management Committee confirmed the change on Sunday, 26 July, with Hridoy expected to bolster the Kings' batting lineup ahead of their next fixture.
Why Taskin Was Replaced
Taskin Ahmed was unable to join the Jaffna Kings franchise for the tournament, leaving the side short of a key Bangladeshi recruit. The Players' Management Committee subsequently cleared the path for Hridoy's inclusion as a direct replacement within the squad.
What the Franchise Said
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of IPG Group — the official rights holder of the Lanka Premier League — welcomed the development. 'We are delighted to welcome Towhid Hridoy to the Lanka Premier League. He has emerged as one of Bangladesh's most accomplished cricketers and brings both quality and leadership to the Jaffna Kings. While we wish Taskin Ahmed the very best, we are confident Hridoy's arrival will further enhance the competition and give fans another exciting player to follow this season,' Sankhdhar said.
Hridoy's T20 Record and Recent Form
The right-handed batter arrives at the LPL with a substantial T20 pedigree — 4,057 runs across 168 matches at an average of 30.73, including two centuries. His international form in 2025–26 has been particularly sharp since assuming the Bangladesh T20I captaincy, highlighted by an unbeaten 51 off 27 deliveries against New Zealand and a composed 61 against Australia.
Jaffna Kings' LPL 2026 Campaign So Far
The Jaffna Kings have made a mixed start to their LPL 2026 campaign in Colombo, recording one win and one defeat from their opening two matches. Hridoy's addition is expected to provide stability in the middle order as the franchise seeks to build momentum. Their next assignment is against Colombo KAPS in Dambulla, where the Bangladesh skipper could make his debut for the side.
Point of View
But it also underscores a recurring problem in franchise T20 leagues — Bangladeshi players dropping out mid-tournament due to board or scheduling conflicts. Taskin Ahmed is one of Bangladesh's premier pace assets, and his absence weakens the Kings' bowling more than Hridoy's bat compensates. With only two matches played and the Kings sitting at 1-1, the real test is whether Hridoy can translate his international form — notably sharp since taking the T20I captaincy — into franchise cricket under pressure. The LPL has long struggled to attract and retain top-tier global talent; player unavailability stories like this one chip away at the tournament's credibility even as it attempts to grow its footprint.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Towhid Hridoy join Jaffna Kings in LPL 2026?
Hridoy was drafted into the Jaffna Kings squad as a direct replacement for Taskin Ahmed, who was ruled out of LPL 2026 due to unavailability. The Players' Management Committee confirmed the change on 26 July.
Who is Towhid Hridoy?
Towhid Hridoy is Bangladesh's T20I captain and a right-handed middle-order batter. He has scored 4,057 runs in 168 T20 matches at an average of 30.73, including two centuries, and has been in strong international form since taking over the captaincy.
What is Jaffna Kings' standing in LPL 2026?
Jaffna Kings have played two matches in LPL 2026, winning one and losing one. Their next fixture is against Colombo KAPS in Dambulla, where Hridoy is expected to feature.
Who confirmed Hridoy's inclusion in the LPL 2026 squad?
The Lanka Premier League's Players' Management Committee officially confirmed the squad change on Sunday, 26 July. IPG Group CEO Anil Mohan Sankhdhar also issued a formal welcome statement.
What has been Towhid Hridoy's recent international form?
Since becoming Bangladesh's T20I captain, Hridoy has delivered several key innings, including an unbeaten 51 off 27 deliveries against New Zealand and a composed 61 against Australia, demonstrating his value as both batter and leader.
