Lanka Premier League’s five franchises have confirmed their full 20-player direct signing list ahead of the June 1 player draft, with each side locking in four marquee names from a mix of Sri Lankan internationals and overseas stars, Newswire reported.
The final list, by franchise:
- Colombo Kaps — Kusal Mendis, James Neesham, Kamindu Mendis, Ben McDermott
- Dambulla Sixers — Dinesh Chandimal, Sahibzada Farhan, Dushmantha Chameera, Reeza Hendricks
- Galle Gallants — Dasun Shanaka, Rassie van der Dussen, Eshan Malinga, Sikandar Raza
- Jaffna Kings — Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Dunith Wellalage, Taskin Ahmed
- Kandy Royals — Wanindu Hasaranga, Moeen Ali, Angelo Mathews, Vijay Shankar
The roster expands on the 14 pre-signed names confirmed by the franchises on May 23, adding six fresh international picks across the four direct-signing slots permitted per side. James Neesham and Ben McDermott join Colombo Kaps, Rassie van der Dussen and Sikandar Raza go to Galle Gallants, Taskin Ahmed completes Jaffna Kings’ overseas trio alongside Shakib Al Hasan, and Vijay Shankar — who has confirmed LPL 2026 will be his final tournament — is locked in at Kandy Royals.
The remaining squad slots will be filled at the LPL 2026 player draft on June 1, where franchises will bid from a pool of more than 650 registered overseas players. The tournament opens on July 17 at the Sinhalese Sports Club with defending champions Jaffna Kings facing Galle Gallants.
Source: Newswire.
