KARACHI: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will represent Kandy Royals in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, tournament organizers confirmed on Monday.
The LPL confirmed Shaheen’s participation in its sixth edition through a social media post, which included an animated banner featuring several stills of the left-arm pacer wearing a Royals jersey.
“The big one has arrived. Shaheen Shah Afridi is coming to LPL 2026 with Kandy Royals! Speed Alert: Activated,” the league captioned the post.
For the uninitiated, the very next day Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) shared a cryptic teaser on social media that showed the left-arm pacer’s run-up, bowling action and follow-through resembling Afridi’s trademark style.
The clip soon went viral, prompting fans to speculate that the Pakistan ODI captain might make his LPL debut this season, which is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8.
Afridi has established himself as one of the leading fast bowlers in the world and has enjoyed successful stints in several franchise leagues including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Big Bash League (PBL), ILD 20, The Hundred and the Vitality Blast.
The left-arm fast bowler has also captained Lahore Qalandars to three Pakistan Super League (PSL) titles. In 94 PSL matches, he has taken 138 wickets at an economy rate of 7.96.
Meanwhile, five Pakistani cricketers were selected by various franchises during the LPL 2026 player draft.
Khali Gallants have roped in experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the Platinum Overseas category. Colombo Cubs strengthened their squad by signing Mohammad Haris and Shahnawaz Dahani in the Gold division.
Meanwhile, Dambulla Sixers picked Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr. in the gold category. He will join compatriot Sahibzada Farhan, who was retained as the franchise’s overseas icon before the draft.
The 2026 edition of the LPL will resume with the 2024 final on July 17, with defending champions Jaffna Kings taking on Galle Gallants in the tournament opener, while Shaheens Royals will begin their campaign against Tambullai Thunders the following day.
Jaffna Kings, Colombo Cubs, Royals, Galle Gallants and Tambullai Sixers are the five teams competing in this year’s tournament.
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