![Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784984767295_ShaheenAfridi.jpg?type=hq)
Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan [Source: AFP]
The Lanka Premier League 2026 has been marred by controversies since its launch, and adding another chapter to the turmoil is Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, who has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Unit after being dropped during a match.
The controversies began even before LPL 2026 got underway, when former Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested by Sri Lanka's Special Investigation Unit over alleged match-fixing links.
Following the development, the organisers revoked the franchise's ownership rights, with Sri Lanka Cricket currently managing the situation.
Shaheen Afridi frustrated with LPL 2026
Now, Shaheen Afridi has also found himself involved in an Anti-Corruption Unit matter. According to reports, relations between Afridi and the Kandy Royals have not been smooth, with the latest incident raising concerns over possible irregularities.
Afridi was reportedly about to return home after the incident left him deeply upset. However, franchise officials and tournament organisers apologised to him and persuaded him to stay.
As quoted by The Express Tribune, the Kandy Royals had informed Shaheen Afridi before their match against the Colombo Caps that he would feature as an impact player.
The Royals batted first, but during the middle of the innings, the team's coach apologised to Afridi, explaining that due to an analyst's mistake, his name had not been submitted as the designated impact player.
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Afridi lodges complaint against LPL to Anti-Corruption Unit
The unprofessional approach causing the incident naturally frustrated Shaheen Afridi, who was left stunned by the last-minute development and immediately reported the matter to the Anti-Corruption Unit.
The issue was also brought to the attention of the match referee. Afridi was reportedly so angered by the incident that he initially decided to return to Pakistan.
For the unaware, an impact player is a rule introduced in the Indian Premier League, borrowed by the LPL, where a player does not play a complete two-innings match for his team.
Instead, if he/she is a specialist batter/bowler, he/she gets called up as required during the match by substituting with another player who was already in the Playing XI.
Afridi stays in Sri Lanka after management convinced him
No further comments have been received from either the franchise or Afridi. The latest update suggests that tournament organisers managed to convince the Pakistan pacer to remain with the team instead of returning home.
So far, Shaheen Afridi has played three matches in LPL 2026, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 9.73 and a strike rate of 16.00. Although he has picked up wickets regularly, his expensive spells have also cost the Kandy Royals.
The franchise currently sits at the bottom of the points table, having won just one of its first four matches.
For the unaware, Shaheen Afridi was directly signed by Kandy ahead of the tournament with a special contract. After getting a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Cricket Board, Afridi was allowed to join the league, which began on July 17.
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