Key Takeaways
- Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s ODI captain, is set to debut in the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
- Afridi will join Kandy Royals and leave for Sri Lanka on July 14.
- The tournament runs from July 17 to August 8.
Pakistan’s fast bowler and ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is set to make his debut in the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) after signing a contract with Kandy Royals. The left-arm pacer is expected to receive a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following an application he submitted to participate in the tournament.
Afridi, who has previously featured in several major franchise leagues including the Bangladesh Premier League and Big Bash League, will leave for Sri Lanka on July 14. His participation marks a significant move as he prepares to showcase his skills against other top cricketers from across the region.
The Lanka Premier League is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8, with Jaffna Kings taking on Galle Gallants in the opening match—a rematch of the 2024 final. Five teams will compete this year: Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants, and Dambulla Sixers.
Afridi’s participation follows days of speculation after Sri Lanka Cricket released a promotional video featuring a mystery left-arm fast bowler whose run-up, bowling action, and follow-through closely resembled Afridi’s. The teaser described the player as the “King of Pace” and invited fans to guess his identity and franchise.
The 2026 LPL is set to be an exciting event for cricket enthusiasts in Sri Lanka and beyond. Afridi has previously captained Lahore Qalandars to three Pakistan Super League (PSL) titles, claiming 138 wickets in 94 PSL matches at an economy rate of 7.96.
Other Pakistani cricketers will also feature in the competition. Galle Gallants have signed Mohammad Nawaz, Colombo Kaps will have Mohammad Haris and Shahnawaz Dahani, while Dambulla Sixers picked Mohammad Wasim Jr., who will be joined by Sahibzada Farhan.
Afridi’s move to the Lanka Premier League is a significant step in his career. His experience and skills are expected to add value to Kandy Royals and enhance the overall quality of the tournament.
