Colombo: The five owners of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) have announced their pre-signed player selections ahead of the sixth edition of the tournament scheduled to be held from July 17 to August 18 in Colombo, Ballekala and Tambullai.
The remaining squad spots will be filled during the official player draft held in Colombo on June 1.
Dambulla Sixers have made one of the best acquisitions by signing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 breakout star Sahibzada Farhan.
The Pakistan batsman produced a sensational campaign, scoring 383 runs in seven matches, including two centuries and two fifties.
He will be joined by experienced South African opener Reesa Hendricks along with Sri Lankan internationals Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Sameera to form a strong core for the franchise.
Four-time champions Jaffna Kings have strengthened their squad with Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. They will continue to rely on the local firepower of Banuka Rajapaksa and Dunit Vellalake.
2023 champions Kandy Royals have fielded a balanced side featuring Vanindu Hazaranga, Moeen Ali and Angelo Mathews.
They have also added Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, whose international cricket and IPL experience is expected to bring depth and calmness to the team.
Colombo Cops have made a strong statement by signing New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and Australian power-hitter Ben McDermott.
They will be joined by Sri Lankan stars Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis to enhance their batting strength.
The Galle Gallants squad features Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, emerging fast bowler Eshan Malinga and South African Rassie van der Dusen.
The sixth edition of the LPL will feature 20 league-level matches, followed by qualifiers, eliminators and finals, all staged at Sri Lanka’s premier stadiums in Colombo, Ballekala and Tambulla.
The squad will finalize the formations ahead of the Player Draft on June 1.
Complete list of pre-signed players:
Colombo Cubs
- Local icon: Gusal Mendis
- Local star: Kamindu Mendis
- Foreign icon: Jimmy Neesham
- Foreign Star: Ben McDermott
Dambulla Sixers
- Local icon: Dushmantha Sameera
- Local star: Dinesh Chandimal
- Foreign icon: Sahibzada Farhan
- Foreign star: Reesa Hendricks
Empty Gallants
- Local icon: Dasun Shanaka
- Local star: Ishaan Malinga
- Foreign icon: Russi we der Dussen
- Foreign star:
Kings of Jaffna
- Local icon: Banuka Rajapakse
- Local star: Dunith Vellalake
- Foreign icon: Shakib Al Hasan
- Foreign Star: Taskin Ahmed
Kandy Royals