Lanka Premier League to Implement IPL’s Impact Player Rule
New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming season, the Lanka Premier League (LPL) has announced the introduction of the Impact Player rule, similar to that of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision is part of two significant changes set for the 2026 season, which kicks off on July 17. Despite criticisms from various current and former players in India, LPL has opted to incorporate this rule. Additionally, teams must include a U-23 player in their Playing XIs at all times, including during the use of an impact substitute. This U-23 requirement aims to support Sri Lanka Cricket in identifying young talent for the future.
At the recent LPL draft, these rules were critical talking points for franchises, as they strategized to build their squads accordingly. The U-23 rule may pose challenges, particularly as Sri Lanka’s U19 team is scheduled to host India’s U19 squad in July, thereby limiting the availability of many young players for the league.
Injury Updates: Pathum Nissanka and Matheesha Pathirana
Sri Lankan opening batter Pathum Nissanka and pacer Matheesha Pathirana are currently dealing with injuries. Nissanka, who represented the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, is slated for surgery and hopes to return for Sri Lanka’s series against India later in the year. Meanwhile, Pathirana, who joined the Kolkata Knight Riders midway through the IPL, sustained an injury during his first match.
Vijay Shankar Set for LPL Participation
Vijay Shankar, a recently retired Indian cricketer known for his role in the 2019 ODI World Cup, is set to play in the LPL after being pre-signed by Kandy Royals prior to the draft. Other notable pre-draft signings include Eshan Malinga, Sahibzada Farhan, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal.
LPL Squads Post-Draft
- SC Jaffna Kings: Taskin Ahmed, Dunith Wellalage, Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, among others.
- Colombo Kaps: Ben McDermott, Kamindu Mendis, Jimmy Neesham, Kusal Mendis, etc.
- Kandy Royals: Vijay Shankar, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, along with several others.
- Galle Gallants: Litton Das, Eshan Malinga, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Dasun Shanaka, and more.
- Dambulla Sixers: Reeza Hendricks, Dinesh Chandimal, Sahibzada Farhan, Dushmantha Chameera, etc.
Pre-Signings Overview
- SC Jaffna Kings: Taskin Ahmed, Dunith Wellalage, Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
- Galle Gallants: Litton Das, Eshan Malinga, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Dasun Shanaka.
- Kandy Royals: Vijay Shankar, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga.
- Colombo Kaps: Ben McDermott, Kamindu Mendis, Jimmy Neesham, Kusal Mendis.
- Dambulla Sixers: Reeza Hendricks, Dinesh Chandimal, Sahibzada Farhan, Dushmantha Chameera.
For more information on cricket updates, including the recent suspension of Cricket Canada’s membership after a board meeting in Ahmedabad, readers are encouraged to stay tuned.
