Colombo, July 16,2026: The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has announced a star-studded commentary panel for its 2026 season, while five Pakistani cricketers have been drafted by various franchises ahead of the tournament, which runs from July 17 to August 8.
The commentary lineup features well-known broadcasters and former international cricketers, including Roshan Abeysinghe, former Sri Lanka players Russel Arnold and Farveez Maharoof, former South Africa batter H.D. Ackerman, former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail and commentator Monali Patel.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s leading players will have a strong presence in this year’s competition after being selected by different teams during the LPL 2026 Players’ Draft.
Kandy Royals have signed Pakistan ODI captain and star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, one of the world’s leading pace bowlers with extensive franchise cricket experience across the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Big Bash League (BBL), ILT20, The Hundred and England’s Vitality Blast.
Afridi also boasts an impressive Pakistan Super League (PSL) record, having captained Lahore Qalandars to three PSL titles. In 94 PSL matches, the left-arm pacer has claimed 138 wickets at an economy rate of 7.96.
Galle Gallants strengthened their squad by signing experienced Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the Platinum Overseas category, while Colombo Kaps picked fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani in the Gold category.
Dambulla Sixers selected Pakistan pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr in the Gold category, where he will join fellow Pakistani batter Sahibzada Farhan, who was retained by the franchise as its Overseas Icon before the players’ draft.
The 2026 Lanka Premier League will begin on July 17 with a repeat of the 2024 final as defending champions Jaffna Kings take on Galle Gallants in the tournament opener.
Five franchises—Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants and Dambulla Sixers—will compete for the championship in this year’s edition of Sri Lanka’s premier T20 league.
