Shakib joins Jaffna Kings for LPL 2026

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will play in the upcoming edition of the Lanka Premier League after being directly signed by Jaffna Kings.

The LPL is set to return this year after a two-year break. The tournament will begin on July 17, with Jaffna Kings facing Galle Marvels in the opening match in Colombo.

The tournament will also mark Shakib’s return to competitive cricket. The left-arm all-rounder last played an official T20 match in January while representing MI Emirates in the ILT20.

The tournament authorities confirmed Shakib’s signing through a social media post.

In a post featuring Shakib’s player card, the LPL wrote: “One of the world’s finest T20 all-rounders, Shakib Al Hasan, has joined Jaffna Kings. The franchise has brought him into the squad ahead of the LPL. Whenever the team needs stability, Shakib delivers runs with the bat. When a breakthrough is required, he picks up crucial wickets with the ball. And in pressure situations, his experience and composure become the team’s greatest strength.”

The post further described Shakib as “one of the most complete all-rounders in T20 cricket” and said Jaffna had added more firepower to an already strong squad.

Shakib has previous experience in the Sri Lankan franchise tournament. In the 2023 edition, he represented Galle Titans, scoring 138 runs and taking 11 wickets in 10 matches.

This time, however, he will play for the most successful side in LPL history. The tournament has been held five times so far, with Jaffna Kings winning four titles.