LPL reveals impact player substitutions ahead of 2026 season

The Lanka Premier League will introduce substitute players in the 2026 season to enhance tactical flexibility.

Squad building challenges Teams faced tough decisions on squad composition as they drafted 16-18 players alongside four pre-signed stars, balancing unproven talent with experienced performers. This required careful planning to maximize impact on the field. The scarcity of Under-23 players added another hurdle, as many Sri Lankan Under-19 players were unavailable due to a clash with India’s tour in July. The situation was further complicated by injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Matheesha Pathirana, despite the former being included in the West Indies touring squad. ## Injury updates and workload management Pathum Nissanka’s workload is being carefully managed, and he is expected to undergo surgery to ensure fitness for Sri Lanka’s home series against India later in the year. Despite being named in the touring party for the West Indies, his participation remains uncertain due to ongoing recovery needs. Matheesha Pathirana is also recovering from an injury, adding to the team’s tactical uncertainties. ## Team ownership and name changes Four out of five LPL franchises introduced new owners and coaching staff, along with fresh team identities. The Dambulla Sixers were the only exception, though they had experienced significant upheaval in 2024 with two ownership changes before the season began. The rebranded teams include SC Jaffna Kings (formerly Jaffna), Galle Gallants (Galle), Kandy Royals (Kandy), and Colombo Kaps (Colombo). ## Draft process and squad sizes The draft concluded in under four hours, with each team required to finalize squads of at least 18 players and the option to add two more through additional signings. The process spanned 14 mandatory rounds, with two optional rounds for teams opting to participate. This structured approach ensured a balanced mix of local and international talent across all franchises. ## Player pricing and categories Players were divided into five pricing tiers: Platinum ($50,000), Gold ($30,000), Classic ($20,000), Associate ($15,000), and Emerging Under-23 ($10,000). Each category included separate slots for local and foreign players, ensuring fair valuation and accessibility for emerging talent. This system allowed teams to strategically allocate budgets while securing key performers. ## Notable pre-signings and first-round picks Several high-profile players were secured before the draft, including recently retired Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar, IPL breakout star Eshan Malinga, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan, and Sri Lankan veterans Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Avishka Fernando and Charith Asalanka were selected in the first round despite missing out on Sri Lanka’s T20 squad. Overseas picks were led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammed Nawaz, highlighting the league’s global appeal. ## SC Jaffna Kings full squad The SC Jaffna Kings finalized their squad with a mix of domestic and international stars. Key players include Taskin Ahmed, Dunith Wellalage, Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, David Wiese, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamil Mishara, Traveen Mathews, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohommed Shiraz, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lizaad Williams, Dipendra Airee, Kugathas Mathulan, Praveen Manisha, and Nishan Madushka. ## Colombo Kaps full squad The Colombo Kaps assembled a competitive lineup featuring Ben McDermott, Kamindu Mendis, Jimmy Neesham, Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Milan Ratnayake, Janith Liyanage, Shahnawaz Dahani, Jeffrey Vandersay, Thanuka Dabare, Movin Subasingha, Mohammed Haris, Hasan Mahmud, Kushal Bhurtel, Malsha Tharupathi, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Wanuja Sahan, and Anthony Pragasam. ## Kandy Royals full squad The Kandy Royals bolstered their ranks with Vijay Shankar, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nuwan Thushara, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kusal Perera, Asitha Fernando, Garuka Sanketh, Daniel Sams, Vishen Halambage, Muditha Lakshan, Lahiru Udara, Dale Phillips, Zahir Khan, Brandon McMullen, Sahan Mihira, Pawan Sandesh, Dushan Hemantha, and Isitha Wijesundera. ## Galle Gallants full squad The Galle Gallants drafted Litton Das, Eshan Malinga, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Mohammad Nawaz, Pramod Madushan, Lasith Croospulle, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Akif Javed, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne, Tharindu Rathnayake, Sam Harper, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Haider Ali, Dinura Kalupahana, Uri Koththigoda, Kasun Rajitha, and Sachindu Colombage. ## Dambulla Sixers full squad The Dambulla Sixers finalized their team with Reeza Hendricks, Dinesh Chandimal, Sahibzada Farhan, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Niroshan Dickwella, Pavan Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Mohammed Wasim, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ramesh Mendis, Sachitha Jayatilake, Gulbadin Naib, Dian Forrester, Shadley Schalkwyk, Vishva Kumara, and Gayana Weerasinghe. ## Confirmed starting XIs for opening match The initial playing elevens for the season opener were announced, featuring SC Jaffna Kings against Galle Gallants, Kandy Royals against Colombo Kaps, and Dambulla Sixers against an opponent not specified in the article. The teams were selected from the drafted squads, with a focus on balancing experience and emerging talent.