Pakistan’s fast bowler and ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is set to play in the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) after signing a contract with Kandy Royals.
The left-arm pacer is expected to receive a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after submitting an application to participate in the tournament. Sources said the PCB is likely to approve his request.
Afridi is scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka on July 14 to join Kandy Royals ahead of the tournament, marking his debut in the Lanka Premier League.
His participation follows days of speculation after Sri Lanka Cricket released a promotional video featuring a mystery left-arm fast bowler whose run-up, bowling action, and follow-through closely resembled Afridi’s.
The teaser described the player as the “King of Pace” and invited fans to guess his identity and franchise.
Afridi has previously featured in several major franchise leagues, including the Bangladesh Premier League, Big Bash League, ILT20, The Hundred, and the Vitality Blast.
He has also captained Lahore Qalandars to three Pakistan Super League (PSL) titles and has claimed 138 wickets in 94 PSL matches at an economy rate of 7.96.
The 2026 Lanka Premier League is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8. Defending champions Jaffna Kings will take on Galle Gallants in the opening match, a rematch of the 2024 final.
Five teams will compete in this year’s tournament: Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants, and Dambulla Sixers.
Several other Pakistani cricketers will also feature in the competition. Galle Gallants have signed Mohammad Nawaz, Colombo Kaps will have Mohammad Haris and Shahnawaz Dahani, while Dambulla Sixers picked Mohammad Wasim Jr., who will be joined by Sahibzada Farhan.
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