Vijay Shankar signs for Kandy Royals in LPL 2026 marquee lineup
Synopsis
Three days after retiring from international cricket, Vijay Shankar has already found a new franchise home — Kandy Royals in LPL 2026. With Moeen Ali and Shakib Al Hasan also confirmed, and 650-plus overseas registrations from 21 nations, the sixth edition is shaping up as the league's most globally ambitious yet.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Shankar has been signed as a marquee player for Kandy Royals in LPL 2026 , just three days after retiring from international cricket.
LPL 2026 runs from 17 July to 8 August across Sri Lanka, with the player draft on 1 June .
Kandy Royals' overseas core includes Moeen Ali , Wanindu Hasaranga , and Angelo Mathews .
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings have retained Shakib Al Hasan , Dunith Wellalage , and Bhanuka Rajapaksa .
More than 650 overseas registrations from 21 nations have been received for the draft.
West Indies legend Chris Gayle will serve as the league's brand ambassador for the edition.
Just three days after retiring from international cricket, former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been named a marquee signing for the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL 2026), scheduled from 17 July to 8 August across Sri Lanka. The Tamil Nadu cricketer will turn out for Kandy Royals, joining a high-profile overseas contingent that includes England all-rounder Moeen Ali and Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan.
Shankar's Role at Kandy Royals
Shankar, who represented India at the 2019 ODI World Cup and claimed a wicket with his very first delivery in that tournament, is expected to bring experience and lower-order balance to the Kandy Royals squad. The franchise has built around a strong core that also features Sri Lankan internationals Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews, alongside the retained Moeen Ali.
His signing comes days after he formally announced the end of his international career, making LPL 2026 one of his first confirmed franchise commitments in the post-international phase.
Defending Champions Reinforce Their Squad
Defending champions SC Jaffna Kings have retained Shakib Al Hasan alongside Sri Lankan internationals Dunith Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as they look to extend their dominance in the tournament. The player draft is scheduled for 1 June, after which franchises will complete their rosters.
League's Growing Global Footprint
Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela highlighted the announcement as evidence of the LPL's rising international profile. 'The marquee lineup reflects the growing strength and global appeal of the Lanka Premier League. Franchises have retained a strong mix of international experience and Sri Lankan talent, which sets the tone perfectly ahead of the player draft,' he said.
Organisers also confirmed that more than 650 overseas registrations from 21 cricketing nations have been received for the draft — a figure that underlines the tournament's expanding reach since its launch. West Indies legend Chris Gayle will serve as the league's brand ambassador for the upcoming edition.
Format, Fixtures and Venues
LPL 2026 will feature five franchises — SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, and Colombo Kaps — competing in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs. The season opener between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants is set for the SSC Ground in Colombo on 17 July, with the final scheduled for 8 August at the R. Premadasa Stadium. All eyes will now be on the 1 June player draft to see how the full squads take shape.
Point of View
Who have spent six editions building credibility against more established T20 properties.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Vijay Shankar join LPL 2026 so soon after retiring?
Vijay Shankar was unveiled as a marquee signing for Kandy Royals just three days after announcing his retirement from international cricket, suggesting the franchise deal was likely in negotiation before the retirement was formalised. Franchise T20 leagues outside India are a common next step for retired Indian internationals.
Which team will Vijay Shankar play for in LPL 2026?
Vijay Shankar will represent Kandy Royals in LPL 2026. His teammates include England all-rounder Moeen Ali, Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, and veteran Angelo Mathews.
When does LPL 2026 start and where is it held?
LPL 2026 runs from 17 July to 8 August across Sri Lanka. The tournament opener between SC Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants takes place at the SSC Ground in Colombo on 17 July, and the final is at the R. Premadasa Stadium on 8 August.
Who are the other marquee signings for LPL 2026?
Among the top overseas marquee names confirmed are England all-rounder Moeen Ali at Kandy Royals and Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan at defending champions SC Jaffna Kings. The full rosters will be completed after the player draft on 1 June.
How many teams compete in LPL 2026?
Five franchises — SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, and Colombo Kaps — will compete in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs.
