Former India allrounder begins new chapter after retiring from Indian domestic cricket and IPL

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Vijay Shankar is set to feature in the Lanka Premier League for the first time after being signed by Kandy Royals ahead of the 2026 season.

The former India allrounder was among the marquee signings announced by the franchise alongside England’s Moeen Ali, Sri Lanka stars Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews.

Shankar recently announced his retirement from Indian domestic cricket and the IPL, stating he wanted to explore new opportunities and continue playing competitive cricket around the world. The LPL will now become the first overseas league of his post-India career.

Kandy Royals have assembled a strong squad for the upcoming season, with Moeen joining as the overseas icon player while Hasaranga and Mathews headline the local core.

The LPL returns this year after a one-season break. Sri Lanka Cricket had postponed the 2025 edition to focus preparations on the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Several international names were included in the marquee player list ahead of the draft scheduled for June 1 in Colombo. Bangladesh stars Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan and New Zealand allrounder James Neesham are among the major overseas signings.

Colombo Kaps secured Neesham and Australia’s Ben McDermott alongside Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Dambulla Sixers added Farhan and Reeza Hendricks, while Galle Gallants signed South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen.

Defending champions Jaffna Kings strengthened their squad with Shakib and Taskin, alongside Sri Lankan players Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dunith Wellalage.

The 2026 LPL season is scheduled to begin on July 17, with the final set to take place on August 18.