COLOMBO: The panel comprising six former international cricketers has been announced for the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.
The five-team tournament — Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants and Dambulla Sixers —will begin on 17 July with the final scheduled on 8 August
The commentary panel comprises former Sri Lanka cricketers Russel Arnold and Farveez Mahroof, alongside former Pakistan opener Aamir Sohail and South Africa batter H.D Ackerman. Former Canada cricketer and broadcaster Monali Patel will also add to the lineup.
The announcement was made through the league’s social handles.
View this post on Instagram
“Roshan Abeysinghe, Russel Arnold, Farveez Maharoof, H. D. Ackerman, Aamer Sohail and Monali Patel complete the commentary panel, bringing every boundary, breakthrough and unforgettable moment to life,” the caption of the post read.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The opening fixture will be played under lights at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, which hosted the maiden T20 International during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
The tournament’s opening leg will remain in Colombo from July 17 to 19 before the action shifts to Dambulla and then Kandy.
The competition will subsequently return to Colombo for the playoffs and final, which will be staged at the R. Premadasa Stadium. A reserve day has also been scheduled for August 9 in case the weather affects the final.
Six Pakistani cricketers will be in action for their respective teams, including ace pacer Shaheen Afridi, who has been roped in by Kandy Royals.
During the players’ draft, Galle Gallants signed experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the Platinum Overseas category. Colombo Kaps included wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris and pacer Shahnawaz Dahani in the Gold category.
Meanwhile, Dambulla Sixers picked Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr in the Gold category; he joins Sahibzada Farhan, who was kept as the franchise’s Overseas Icon before the draft.
READ: Mike Hesson shortlisted for England Test coach role: report
