Shaheen Afridi joins Kandy Falcons in LPL 2026 squad shake-up

Shaheen Afridi has been named in Kandy Falcons’ squad for Lanka Premier League 2026, joining Vijay Shankar in the side’s pace battery as the July tournament edges closer.

What squads have been announced?

Kandy Falcons unveiled their LPL 2026 line-up on 17 July, naming Shaheen Afridi alongside Vijay Shankar in their fast-bowling ranks. Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed were both assigned to Jaffna Kings, while the other three teams-Colombo Strikers, Galle Titans and Dambulla Aura-also finalised their rosters on the same day.

The squads reflect a clear shift in strategy across the league, with Pakistan’s premier pacer now slated to face off against regional rivals in the high-octane T20 format. Kandy Falcons, who finished third in LPL 2025, have added Afridi to bolster their attack before the July 2026 campaign.

Why does Shaheen Afridi’s move matter?

For Shaheen Afridi, the Kandy Falcons deal marks another T20 league gig outside Pakistan, following stints in the Caribbean Premier League and The Hundred. His presence raises the stakes for opposing batters, who will now have to negotiate his left-arm seam and toe-crushing yorkers under lights in Colombo.

The move also underlines LPL’s push to lure global stars ahead of the 2026 season. Afridi’s arrival comes weeks after Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed were snapped up by Jaffna Kings, signalling a regional tilt in the league’s recruitment strategy.

What’s next for LPL 2026?

The Lanka Premier League will roll out its 2026 edition in July, with all five teams now locked in. Kandy Falcons, Galle Titans, Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Aura and Jaffna Kings have each published their final squads, setting the stage for two weeks of high-voltage T20 action.

Afridi’s inclusion adds firepower to Kandy’s attack, but the real test comes when the tournament fires up. The league has slotted the group stage for late July, with the knockout rounds pencilled in for early August.

How do the squads stack up?

Jaffna Kings have paired Shakib Al Hasan with Taskin Ahmed, while Kandy Falcons have gone all-out for pace by signing Shaheen Afridi and Vijay Shankar. Colombo Strikers, Galle Titans and Dambulla Aura have rounded out their line-ups with a mix of domestic firepower and overseas specialists, completing the five-team picture ahead of the July start.