LPL 2026 Draft: Avishka Fernando and Mujeeb Ur Rahman Among Biggest Signings
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 Draft delivered several headline moves as franchises finalized their squads ahead of the tournament's sixth edition. Sri Lankan opener Avishka Fernando emerged as the biggest local signing after being selected by Jaffna Kings with the first overall draft pick, while Afghanistan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman joined Colombo Kaps as one of the marquee overseas acquisitions.
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A total of 97 players were drafted across the five franchises, with Afghanistan stars dominating overseas selections. Alongside Mujeeb, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Fazalhaq Farooqi all secured contracts for the upcoming season.
The LPL 2026 season is scheduled to run from July 17 to August 8, with matches set to be played across Colombo, Dambulla and Pallekele.
Jaffna Kings Strengthen Top Order
Jaffna Kings made an immediate statement by selecting Avishka Fernando as their platinum local pick.
The franchise further strengthened its batting unit by drafting Kamil Mishara and Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran in the Gold category. Experienced all-rounder David Wiese was secured as the platinum overseas selection, while Sri Lankan left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka adds quality to the bowling attack.
Key Jaffna Kings Signings
- Avishka Fernando
- David Wiese
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Lizaad Williams
With pre-signed stars Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage, Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed already in place, Jaffna appear well-balanced heading into the new season.
Colombo Kaps Land Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Colombo Kaps entered the draft after already securing Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Jimmy Neesham and Ben McDermott.
The franchise's biggest draft acquisition was Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who joins as the platinum overseas player. Sri Lanka pacer Binura Fernando was selected as the platinum local pick.
Additional reinforcements included Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage and Pakistan fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani.
Key Colombo Kaps Signings
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Binura Fernando
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Janith Liyanage
- Shahnawaz Dahani
- Mohammad Haris
- Hasan Mahmud
Kandy Royals Add Experience and Firepower
Kandy Royals focused on experience and all-round depth during the draft.
The franchise secured Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as its platinum overseas pick while also adding Sri Lankan stars Kusal Perera, Nuwan Thushara and Asitha Fernando.
One of the most notable additions came in the Associate Stars category, where Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen joined an already impressive roster featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali and Vijay Shankar.
Key Kandy Royals Signings
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Nuwan Thushara
- Kusal Perera
- Asitha Fernando
- Daniel Sams
- Brandon McMullen
- Zahir Khan
Dambulla Sixers Build Around Bowling Strength
Dambulla Sixers placed a major emphasis on strengthening their bowling resources.
Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana was selected as the platinum local player, while Afghanistan speedster Fazalhaq Farooqi became the platinum overseas signing.
The franchise also added Mohammad Wasim Jr and Gulbadin Naib, while USA seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk joined under the Associate Star category after an impressive T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.
Key Dambulla Sixers Signings
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Gulbadin Naib
- Akila Dananjaya
- Shadley van Schalkwyk
Galle Gallants Add Asalanka and International Stars
Galle Gallants strengthened their batting group by drafting former Sri Lanka white-ball captain Charith Asalanka as their platinum local selection.
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz joined as the platinum overseas pick, while Bangladesh star Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Australian wicketkeeper Sam Harper also add international quality.
The Gallants already possessed a strong core featuring Dasun Shanaka, Rassie van der Dussen and Litton Das before the draft.
Key Galle Gallants Signings
- Charith Asalanka
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Sam Harper
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
Top Overseas Signings of the LPL 2026 Draft
Several high-profile international players will feature in this year's tournament:
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Colombo Kaps)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Kandy Royals)
- Ibrahim Zadran (Jaffna Kings)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Dambulla Sixers)
- Gulbadin Naib (Dambulla Sixers)
- David Wiese (Jaffna Kings)
- Daniel Sams (Kandy Royals)
- Mohammad Nawaz (Galle Gallants)
LPL 2026 Draft Winners
Jaffna Kings
Jaffna Kings arguably enjoyed the strongest draft after adding Avishka Fernando, Ibrahim Zadran and David Wiese to an already star-studded squad.
Colombo Kaps
The addition of Mujeeb Ur Rahman significantly strengthens Colombo's bowling attack and gives them one of the tournament's most dangerous spin options.
Kandy Royals
With Gurbaz, Kusal Perera and Brandon McMullen joining a squad that already includes Hasaranga and Moeen Ali, Kandy Royals boast one of the deepest rosters in LPL 2026.
What to Expect from LPL 2026
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. With a strong influx of international stars and several franchises assembling balanced squads, the race for the LPL 2026 title is shaping up to be wide open.
The tournament begins on July 17 and runs through August 8, with fans set to witness some of the biggest names in world cricket compete across Sri Lanka.