LPL 2026 Draft: Avishka Fernando goes No. 1, Vijay Shankar joins Kandy Royals
Synopsis
Vijay Shankar becomes the only Indian cricketer in LPL 2026 after Kandy Royals snapped him up, while Sri Lanka's Avishka Fernando claimed the No. 1 draft spot for defending champions SC Jaffna Kings. With 650-plus overseas registrants from 21 countries, Season 6 — running 17 July to 8 August — shapes up as the most globally competitive edition yet.
Key Takeaways
Avishka Fernando was selected as the No.
1 overall pick in the LPL 2026 Draft by defending champions SC Jaffna Kings .
Vijay Shankar — India's 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup representative — joins Kandy Royals as the sole Indian player in LPL 2026.
Kandy Royals' squad includes Moeen Ali , Wanindu Hasaranga , Angelo Mathews , and Rahmanullah Gurbaz .
More than 650 overseas cricketers from 21 countries registered for the draft, underlining the league's global reach.
The tournament runs from 17 July 2026 to 8 August 2026 in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs.
Avishka Fernando was named the No. 1 overall pick in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 Draft, with defending champions SC Jaffna Kings exercising the first selection, while former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar was signed by Kandy Royals to become the lone Indian player in the tournament's sixth edition. The draft, which drew registrations from more than 650 overseas cricketers across 21 countries, completed squads for all five franchises ahead of the season opener on 17 July 2026.
Fernando Headlines the Draft, Jaffna Kings Build for Title Defence
SC Jaffna Kings, the reigning champions, opened the draft proceedings by selecting Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando with the coveted first pick. The Kings further reinforced their title-defence bid by adding experienced all-rounder David Wiese, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, and Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. These recruits join marquee signings Dunith Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa in what shapes up as one of the most formidable squads in the competition's history.
Vijay Shankar: India's Sole Representative in LPL 2026
Vijay Shankar, who represented India at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, will be the only Indian cricketer featuring in LPL 2026 after being picked up by Kandy Royals. He joins a star-studded Royals line-up that already features Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Angelo Mathews. The Royals further strengthened their squad through the draft by adding Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Daniel Sams, Kusal Perera, and Nuwan Thushara.
Other Franchises Complete Their Squads
Colombo Kaps added Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman to complement icon players Jimmy Neesham, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis. Dambulla Sixers bolstered their attack with Maheesh Theekshana and Fazalhaq Farooqi alongside marquee signings Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera. Galle Gallants secured Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen, who join marquee signings Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The sixth edition will feature all five franchises — SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, and Galle Gallants — competing in a double round-robin format before the playoffs. The tournament runs from 17 July 2026 to the final on 8 August 2026.
What Officials Said
Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela said the quality of players secured 'reflects the continued growth and competitiveness of the Lanka Premier League,' adding that 'the balance across all five teams promises a highly competitive tournament.' Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, founder and CEO of IPG Group — the official rights holder of the LPL — described the draft response as 'outstanding,' highlighting the league's growing reputation among players worldwide. With squads now finalised, all eyes turn to the 17 July season opener.
Point of View
And franchise T20 leagues abroad have become the default route for fringe internationals to stay match-sharp. More telling, however, is the draft's 650-plus overseas registrant figure — a signal that the LPL is genuinely competing with the CPL and ILT20 for mid-tier global talent. Whether that depth translates into viewership and commercial traction remains the real test for the IPG Group, which has staked its rights investment on the league's growth story. Jaffna Kings picking Fernando first is also a statement of intent: they are not rebuilding, they are reloading.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the No. 1 pick in the LPL 2026 Draft?
Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the LPL 2026 Draft by defending champions SC Jaffna Kings. He headlines a Jaffna squad that also includes David Wiese, Ibrahim Zadran, and Sandeep Lamichhane.
Which team did Vijay Shankar join for LPL 2026?
Vijay Shankar was signed by Kandy Royals, making him the only Indian player in the Lanka Premier League 2026. He joins a squad featuring Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Angelo Mathews.
When does LPL 2026 start and end?
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League begins on 17 July 2026 and concludes with the final on 8 August 2026. All five franchises will compete in a double round-robin format before the playoffs.
Which teams are competing in LPL Season 6?
The five franchises in LPL 2026 are SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, and Galle Gallants. Each squad has been finalised following the Season 6 Draft.
How many overseas players registered for the LPL 2026 Draft?
More than 650 overseas cricketers from 21 countries registered for the LPL 2026 Draft, according to the tournament organisers. The figure underscores the league's growing appeal as one of South Asia's leading T20 competitions.
