Lanka Premier League 2026 features five franchise teams competing in the sixth edition of Sri Lanka’s marquee T20 league.
The five LPL 2026 teams are SC Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants, and Dambulla Sixers.
Scheduled from July 17 to August 8, 2026, the tournament returns after a two-year hiatus with new ownership groups, rebranded franchises, and rule changes that reshape squad building.
This article covers every team’s full squad, ownership details, captains, key players, draft strategy, and what each franchise brings to the table in LPL 6.
LPL 2026 Teams at a Glance
Before jumping into individual breakdowns, here is a quick-reference table summarizing all five Lanka Premier League 2026 teams, their captains, squad sizes, and ownership groups.
| Team | Captain | Squad Size | Home City | Ownership Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC Jaffna Kings | TBA | 19 | Jaffna | Sports Commune (Manjot Kalra & Mayank Goel) |
| Colombo Kaps | Kusal Mendis | 20 | Colombo | Witness Sports Alliance LLC (Saranyan Palaniswamy & K.C. Shyam Kangayan) |
| Kandy Royals | TBA | 20 | Kandy | Sandhya Ajjarapu (US-based investor) |
| Galle Gallants | Dasun Shanaka | 20 | Galle | Gallant Sports and Media LLC (Kiran Mantripragada) |
| Dambulla Sixers | Dinesh Chandimal | 18 | Dambulla | Existing ownership retained |
SC Jaffna Kings
SC Jaffna Kings are the defending champions and the most successful franchise in LPL history with four titles (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024).
Ahead of LPL 6, Sports Commune took ownership of the franchise. Indian sports entrepreneurs Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel. Kalra, notably, was part of the 2018 U19 World Cup-winning Indian squad.
The Kings anchored their retention strategy around Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan and Sri Lankan hard-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa as their pre-draft signings.
In addition, they made one of the boldest draft-day moves by picking Sri Lankan opener Avishka Fernando in the Platinum category.
SC Jaffna Kings Full Squad (19 Players)
| # | Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shakib Al Hasan | All-rounder | Bangladesh |
| 2 | Taskin Ahmed | Fast Bowler | Bangladesh |
| 3 | Bhanuka Rajapaksa | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 4 | Dunith Wellalage | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 5 | Avishka Fernando | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 6 | David Wiese | All-rounder | Namibia |
| 7 | Ibrahim Zadran | Batter | Afghanistan |
| 8 | Sandeep Lamichhane | Leg-spinner | Nepal |
| 9 | Dilshan Madushanka | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Lizaad Williams | Fast Bowler | South Africa |
| 11 | Dipendra Airee | All-rounder | Nepal |
| 12 | Kamil Mishara | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 13 | Traveen Mathews | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 14 | Mohommed Shiraz | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 15 | Chamindu Wickramasinghe | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 16 | Nuwanidu Fernando | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 17 | Kugathas Mathulan | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 18 | Praveen Manisha | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 19 | Nishan Madushka | Batter | Sri Lanka |
SC Jaffna Kings Key Players
Shakib Al Hasan remains one of the finest all-rounders in T20 cricket. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Jaffna a match-winning option in every phase.
Meanwhile, Avishka Fernando has previously won the LPL Player of the Series award and adds explosive firepower at the top of the order.
The overseas bowling department is particularly strong. Taskin Ahmed offers raw pace, while Sandeep Lamichhane‘s leg-spin provides variety in the middle overs. Nepal’s Dipendra Airee adds depth as a handy lower-order hitter and useful off-spin option.
Colombo Kaps
Colombo Kaps are the rebranded version of the former Colombo Strikers franchise, now under new ownership.
Witness Sports Alliance LLC, led by Indian entrepreneurs Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, purchased the Colombo franchise and renamed it.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis leads the squad as captain and is one of Sri Lanka’s most in-form white-ball players. Alongside him, Kamindu Mendis joined as the second local signing, bringing his versatile batting and ambidextrous spin to the mix.
Colombo Kaps Full Squad (20 Players)
| # | Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kusal Mendis (c, wk) | WK-Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 2 | Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 3 | Ben McDermott | Batter | Australia |
| 4 | Jimmy Neesham | All-rounder | New Zealand |
| 5 | Binura Fernando | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 6 | Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Spinner | Afghanistan |
| 7 | Sadeera Samarawickrama | WK-Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 8 | Milan Ratnayake | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 9 | Janith Liyanage | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Shahnawaz Dahani | Fast Bowler | Pakistan |
| 11 | Jeffrey Vandersay | Leg-spinner | Sri Lanka |
| 12 | Thanuka Dabare | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 13 | Movin Subasingha | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 14 | Mohammed Haris | WK-Batter | Pakistan |
| 15 | Hasan Mahmud | Fast Bowler | Bangladesh |
| 16 | Kushal Bhurtel | All-rounder | Nepal |
| 17 | Malsha Tharupathi | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 18 | Sharujan Shanmuganathan | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 19 | Wanuja Sahan | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 20 | Anthony Pragasam | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
Colombo Kaps Key Players
Kusal Mendis carries the dual responsibility of captaincy and opening the batting. His aggressive intent at the top sets the tone for the team’s innings.
The overseas contingent is well-rounded. Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand) is a proven T20 finisher, and Australia’s Ben McDermott adds top-order firepower with a strike rate that consistently exceeds 130 in franchise cricket.
On the bowling front, Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman brings his mystery spin, while Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani provides express pace. Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel, who recently hit six sixes in a T20I over, is another exciting addition.
Kandy Royals
Kandy Royals (formerly Kandy Falcons, and B-Love Kandy before that) enter LPL 6 under completely new ownership.
US-based investor and entrepreneur Sandhya Ajjarapu acquired the franchise on May 20, 2026, rebranding it as Kandy Royals.
The franchise won the 2023 LPL title under Angelo Mathews’ captaincy. Naturally, Mathews stayed on alongside spin superstar Wanindu Hasaranga as their two local signings.
Their overseas pre-draft signings were equally eye-catching: England’s Moeen Ali and India’s recently retired all-rounder Vijay Shankar. This makes Kandy arguably the most experienced squad in the tournament.
Kandy Royals Full Squad (20 Players)
| # | Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angelo Mathews | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 2 | Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 3 | Moeen Ali | All-rounder | England |
| 4 | Vijay Shankar | All-rounder | India |
| 5 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | WK-Batter | Afghanistan |
| 6 | Kusal Perera | WK-Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 7 | Daniel Sams | All-rounder | Australia |
| 8 | Nuwan Thushara | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 9 | Asitha Fernando | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Brandon McMullen | All-rounder | Scotland |
| 11 | Dale Phillips | Batter | Namibia |
| 12 | Zahir Khan | Spinner | Afghanistan |
| 13 | Garuka Sanketh | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 14 | Vishen Halambage | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 15 | Muditha Lakshan | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 16 | Lahiru Udara | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 17 | Sahan Mihira | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 18 | Pawan Sandesh | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 19 | Dushan Hemantha | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 20 | Isitha Wijesundera | Batter | Sri Lanka |
Kandy Royals Key Players
Wanindu Hasaranga is arguably the biggest name in this squad. The ICC No. 1 ranked T20I bowler (at his peak) is a genuine match-winner with both his leg-spin and handy lower-order batting.
Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket right now. He scored 281 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage, and his addition gives Kandy a terrifying top of the order.
Australia’s Daniel Sams provides left-arm pace and big-hitting depth, while Scotland’s Brandon McMullen has been a revelation in franchise cricket across multiple leagues.
Galle Gallants
Galle Gallants (previously Galle Marvels, and Galle Gladiators before that) have a new identity for LPL 6.
Gallant Sports and Media LLC, led by Kiran Mantripragada, purchased the franchise on May 10, 2026.
Led by former Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka, the Gallants have assembled a squad that blends Sri Lankan experience with overseas star power from South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Galle Gallants Full Squad (20 Players)
| # | Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dasun Shanaka (c) | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 2 | Charith Asalanka | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 3 | Eshan Malinga | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 4 | Rassie van der Dussen | Batter | South Africa |
| 5 | Litton Das | WK-Batter | Bangladesh |
| 6 | Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | Pakistan |
| 7 | Chamika Karunaratne | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 8 | Pramod Madushan | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 9 | Lasith Croospulle | Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Vijayakanth Viyaskanth | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 11 | Akif Javed | Fast Bowler | Pakistan |
| 12 | Sam Harper | WK-Batter | Australia |
| 13 | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | All-rounder | Bangladesh |
| 14 | Haider Ali | Batter | Pakistan |
| 15 | Sahan Arachchige | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 16 | Tharindu Rathnayake | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 17 | Dinura Kalupahana | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 18 | Uri Koththigoda | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 19 | Kasun Rajitha | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 20 | Sachindu Colombage | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
Galle Gallants Key Players
Charith Asalanka is a name that needs no introduction to Sri Lankan cricket fans. The stylish left-hander was one of their Platinum picks and can single-handedly turn matches with his strokeplay.
South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen brings a calm, calculated batting approach that perfectly complements Asalanka’s flair. Together, they form one of the strongest middle-order pairings in the tournament.
Bangladesh duo Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz add depth with bat and ball respectively. On the pace front, Eshan Malinga, the young Sri Lankan quick who impressed in IPL 2026, could be the breakout star of this LPL season.
Dambulla Sixers
Dambulla Sixers are the only franchise that retained both its name and existing ownership structure heading into LPL 6.
Captained by veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal, the Sixers have focused on assembling one of the strongest bowling attacks in the tournament.
Their pre-draft signings were shrewd: Chandimal and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera as local picks, plus South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan as overseas signings
Dambulla was the only franchise that secured two overseas players in pre-draft direct signings, giving them a head start in squad planning.
Dambulla Sixers Full Squad (18 Players)
| # | Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dinesh Chandimal (c, wk) | WK-Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 2 | Reeza Hendricks | Batter | South Africa |
| 3 | Sahibzada Farhan | Batter | Pakistan |
| 4 | Dushmantha Chameera | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 5 | Maheesh Theekshana | Spinner | Sri Lanka |
| 6 | Fazalhaq Farooqi | Fast Bowler | Afghanistan |
| 7 | Niroshan Dickwella | WK-Batter | Sri Lanka |
| 8 | Pavan Rathnayake | Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 9 | Akila Dananjaya | Spinner | Sri Lanka |
| 10 | Mohammed Wasim Jr. | Fast Bowler | Pakistan |
| 11 | Dhananjaya Lakshan | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
| 12 | Ramesh Mendis | Spinner | Sri Lanka |
| 13 | Sachitha Jayatilake | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 14 | Gulbadin Naib | All-rounder | Afghanistan |
| 15 | Dian Forrester | All-rounder | South Africa |
| 16 | Shadley Schalkwyk | Fast Bowler | South Africa |
| 17 | Vishva Kumara | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 18 | Gayana Weerasinghe | All-rounder | Sri Lanka |
Dambulla Sixers Key Players
Fazalhaq Farooqi is the headline act in Dambulla’s bowling attack. The Afghan left-arm quick has been a sensation in T20 leagues worldwide and was one of their Platinum picks.
Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, the other Platinum selection, gives Dambulla a mystery spinner who can strangle batting lineups in the middle overs.
With Dinesh Chandimal providing senior leadership and steady run-scoring, and Niroshan Dickwella offering a second wicketkeeping option with counter-attacking ability, the Sixers have good batting depth despite the smallest squad in the tournament.
How the LPL 2026 Draft Shaped the Squads
Unlike the IPL’s auction model, the LPL 2026 used a player draft system. Over 650 cricketers registered for the draft, held on June 1, 2026, in Colombo.
Organizers then presented a refined pool of 421 players to the five franchises. The draft divided players into five salary categories.
| Category | Value (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | $50,000 | Top-tier international stars |
| Gold | $30,000 | Experienced internationals |
| Classic | $20,000 | Proven domestic/international players |
| Associate Stars | $15,000 | Players from Associate nations |
| Emerging U-23 | $10,000 | Young Sri Lankan talents |
Franchises were required to draft a minimum of 18 players, including two Emerging Under-23 Sri Lankan players. They could add up to two additional local signings beyond the draft pool.
Afghanistan and Pakistan players were particularly popular during the draft. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman all found contracts, underscoring Afghanistan’s growing T20 influence globally.
New Rules in LPL 2026
Two significant rule changes will directly impact how LPL 2026 teams construct their playing XIs this season.
First, the Impact Substitution rule makes its LPL debut. This allows teams to substitute a player after the toss, giving captains the flexibility to adjust their combination based on pitch and conditions.
Second, every team must field at least one Under-23 Sri Lankan player in their playing XI at all times. This mandate forced franchises to think strategically during the draft, balancing star overseas picks with investments in young local talent.
Both rules mirror trends seen in other major T20 leagues like the IPL, and they should create more tactical depth in the tournament.
LPL Winners List: All Seasons
For context on where each franchise stands historically, here is the complete Lanka Premier League winners list from 2020 to 2024.
| Season | Champion | Runner-Up | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Jaffna Stallions | Galle Gladiators | Won by 53 runs |
| 2021 | Jaffna Kings | Galle Gladiators | Second consecutive title |
| 2022 | Jaffna Kings | Colombo Stars | Third title in a row |
| 2023 | B-Love Kandy | Dambulla Aura | Won by 5 wickets; Angelo Mathews as captain |
| 2024 | Jaffna Kings | Galle Marvels | Fourth title overall |
Jaffna Kings dominate this list with four championships in five seasons. The Kandy franchise (under the B-Love Kandy name) is the only other team to win the title. As LPL 6 approaches, every franchise wants to break Jaffna’s stranglehold on the trophy.
LPL 2026 Tournament Format and Venues
The Lanka Premier League 2026 runs from July 17 to August 8, 2026, featuring 24 matches in a double round-robin league stage followed by playoffs.
The league stage takes place across three venues, while the playoffs move to a fourth.
| Venue | City | Capacity | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinhalese Sports Club Ground | Colombo | 10,000 | 5 (July 17-19) |
| Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | Dambulla | 16,800 | 9 (July 21-26) |
| Pallekele International Cricket Stadium | Kandy | 35,000 | 6 (July 28 – Aug 2) |
| R. Premadasa Stadium | Colombo | 35,000 | Playoffs & Final (Aug 5-8) |
The opening match on July 17 pits defending champions Jaffna Kings against Galle Gallants at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo. The final takes place at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium on August 8.
The playoff structure follows a familiar pattern: the top two teams play Qualifier 1 on August 5, the third and fourth placed teams play the Eliminator on the same day, Qualifier 2 on August 7, and the Final on August 8.
Overseas Players Breakdown by Country
Players from 12 different countries feature across the five LPL 2026 squads, highlighting the tournament’s growing international appeal.
Here is a snapshot of the key overseas contributors by nationality.
| Country | Key Players | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib | Dambulla, Kandy, Jaffna, Colombo |
| Pakistan | Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammed Haris, Mohammed Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, Sahibzada Farhan | Colombo, Galle, Dambulla |
| Bangladesh | Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Jaffna, Galle, Colombo |
| South Africa | Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams, Shadley Schalkwyk | Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna |
| Nepal | Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Airee, Kushal Bhurtel | Jaffna, Colombo |
| Australia / NZ / England / India | Ben McDermott, Daniel Sams, Sam Harper, Jimmy Neesham, Moeen Ali, Vijay Shankar | Colombo, Kandy, Galle |
Conclusion
The Lanka Premier League 2026 teams have assembled competitive squads that blend Sri Lankan talent with global T20 stars from 12 countries.
From Jaffna Kings’ dynasty chase to Colombo Kaps’ fresh start under new ownership, every franchise enters LPL 6 with a distinct identity and strategy.
With the Impact Substitution rule, mandatory U-23 inclusions, and a stacked overseas talent pool, this edition promises to be the most tactically complex and entertaining LPL season yet.