![Sooryavanshi's RR teammate joins Galle for LPL 2026 [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779183666678_RRplayerjoinsGalleLPL2026.jpg?type=hq)
Sooryavanshi's RR teammate joins Galle for LPL 2026 [Source: AFP]
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 season will be a big one, with one of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL teammates being signed up by the Galle franchise before the draft. The sixth season of the LPL will run from July 10 to August 5.
Last year, there were tentative dates from November 27 to December 23 for this iteration, which was initially planned for late 2025.
In order to make sure that its venues were ready for the men's T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosted with India in February and March, SLC characterised the postponement as a calculated move.
LPL 2026 draft: When it will happen?
Before the tournament begins in July, the Lanka Premier League 2026 will host a player draft. The 2026 edition will feature five teams representing Jaffna, Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Dambulla.
The player registration portal opened on May 8 and will close on May 20. The deadline for registration for all categories is still May 20; however direct signings are permitted until May 22.
Although an auction was held over the previous two seasons, a draft will be held again this year on June 1.
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A minimum of 18 players must be on each team's squad, with the option to add two local players, bringing the total to a maximum of 20.
Each squad must have at least two Under-23 Emerging players, one of whom must be in the starting lineup, in an effort to increase grassroots presence. Additionally, teams may include up to four foreign players in their starting lineup.
Sooryavanshi's teammate Dasun Shanaka drafted by Galle Gallants
Some of the Lanka Premier League 2026 pre-draft signings by the six franchises have been revealed. These signing were allowed by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board for the six franchises to build a base on which they will build the rest of their squad in the draft.
As reported by Sri Lankan journalist Danushka Aravinda, Dambulla Sixers have signed pacer Dushmantha Chameera and former Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal.
Jaffna Kings have brought in Dunith Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Galle Gallants have signed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL teammate, Dasun Shanaka, and talented pacer Eshan Malinga.
Kandy Falcons included Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews and finally, Colombo Kaps have signed current star Kusal Mendis and all-rounder Kamindu Mendis.
Pre-Draft Signings :
Dambulla Sixers - Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal, Sahibzada Farhan
Jaffna Kings - Dunith Wellalage, Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Galle Gallants - Dasun Shanaka, Eshan Malinga
Kandy Falcons - Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews
Colombo Kaps - Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis
Lanka Premier League 2026 schedule revealed
On July 17, the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will formally begin with a rematch of the 2024 final between the defending champions Jaffna Kings and the runners-up Galle Gallants. The opening fixture will be staged under lights at the Sinhalese Sports Club Grounds in Colombo.
Following Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) original announcement that the tournament will begin on July 10 and feature matches at four international sites, it will now take place from July 17 to August 8.
The SSC will host the opening three-day block of matches (July 17–19) before the competition moves to Dambulla, followed by Kandy.
After that, the league stage will return to Colombo, where the R. Premadasa Stadium will host the knockout stages and championship game. The final on August 9 has been designated as a reserve day.
• July 17–19: Opening matches (SSC Grounds, Colombo)
• July 21–26: Dambulla leg (Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium)
• July 28–August 2: Kandy leg (Pallekele International Cricket Stadium)
• August 5 & 7: Qualifiers and Eliminator (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
• August 8: Final (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
• August 9: Reserve day
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