Recently retired Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has emerged as one of the headline overseas names for the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL)2026 season after being picked as a marquee signing by Kandy Royals.
The announcement comes shortly after Vijay Shankar confirmed his retirement from Indian domestic cricket and the IPL, marking a quick transition into the overseas franchise circuit. His signing is among several high-profile additions made by LPL franchises ahead of the player draft scheduled for June 1.
Strong Overseas Presence in LPL 2026
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League has attracted a notable group of international players.
Alongside Vijay Shankar, the marquee overseas signings include:
- Reeza Hendricks
- Moeen Ali
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Sahibzada Farhan
These additions significantly strengthen the international appeal of the tournament, which continues to grow steadily in stature within the global T20 calendar.
The LPL has increasingly become a platform where experienced international cricketers and emerging Sri Lankan talent compete together, creating a competitive environment ahead of bigger franchise and international assignments.
Kandy Royals Build Strong Core
Kandy Royals have been among the busiest franchises during the marquee signing phase.
Along with Vijay Shankar, the Royals secured:
- Angelo Mathews
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Moeen Ali
The combination gives Kandy significant balance with multiple all-round options, leadership experience and spin depth.
Hasaranga remains one of the most valuable T20 players in world cricket, while Moeen Ali’s versatility adds flexibility across batting and bowling departments. Angelo Mathews also brings immense experience and stability to the squad.
Vijay Shankar’s inclusion fits neatly into that structure as a middle-order batting all-rounder capable of contributing in different match situations.
Dambulla Sixers Add International Firepower
Dambulla Sixers also completed four marquee signings, matching Kandy Royals in activity.
Their confirmed players include:
- Reeza Hendricks
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Sahibzada Farhan
The Sixers appear to have prioritised aggressive batting and pace options ahead of the draft.
Reeza Hendricks arrives with extensive T20 franchise experience, while Sahibzada Farhan has built a strong reputation in Pakistan’s domestic circuit through explosive top-order batting.
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Shakib Strengthens Jaffna Kings
Defending champions Jaffna Kings retained a strong Sri Lankan core while adding global experience through Shakib Al Hasan.
Their marquee signings include:
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Dunith Wellalage
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Shakib’s arrival adds immense value given his experience across franchise leagues worldwide. Even in the latter stages of his career, the Bangladesh veteran remains one of the most accomplished all-rounders in T20 cricket history.
Other Franchise Signings
Galle Gladiators, referred to this season as Galle Gallants, signed:
- Eshan Malinga
- Dasun Shanaka
Meanwhile, Colombo Strikers, competing this season as Colombo Kaps, secured:
- Kusal Mendis
- Kamindu Mendis
Both teams are expected to further strengthen their squads during the player draft.
Tournament Window Confirmed
The 2026 edition of the Lanka Premier League will run from July 17 to August 8.
Tournament regulations allowed franchises to retain:
- Two overseas marquee players
- Two Sri Lankan marquee players
before entering the full player draft process.
With the draft still to come, additional international stars are expected to join the tournament in the coming weeks.
Fresh Start for Vijay Shankar
For Vijay Shankar, the LPL signing represents an immediate new chapter after stepping away from Indian domestic cricket and the IPL.
The former India all-rounder recently announced his retirement from those formats while expressing interest in pursuing new cricketing opportunities globally.
Joining the Lanka Premier League offers him a fresh platform to continue competitive T20 cricket while bringing experience and stability to Kandy Royals.
Given his recent IPL and international background, Vijay could still play an important role in franchise cricket despite moving away from the Indian domestic system.
His signing also underlines the LPL’s growing ability to attract experienced international names looking to extend their T20 careers.