Gulf Today Report
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem headlines a strong contingent of UAE cricketers set to feature in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 Player Draft on June 1 in Colombo, where franchises will finalize their squads for the sixth edition of the tournament.
As part of the tournament regulations, every franchise is required to select at least one player from the Associate Star category, placing additional focus on a talented UAE group that has emerged as one of the strongest representations from associate cricket nations.
Waseem is joined by wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind, all-rounders Basil Hameed and Aayan Afzal Khan, experienced pacers Junaid Siddique and Zahoor Khan, emerging batter Alishan Sharafu, and left-arm fast bowler Muhammad Jawadullah.
With a blend of international experience and proven T20 pedigree, UAE players are expected to attract significant interest during the draft as teams seek to strengthen their squads with quality associate talent.
The UAE contingent forms part of a larger player pool of 421 cricketers available for selection after more than 600 players from around the world registered their interest in participating in the tournament.
The draft marks the official start of preparations for LPL 2026, which will be played from July 17 to Aug.18 across Colombo, Dambulla, and Pallekele.
Among the standout names available in the Platinum category are Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, Australia all-rounder Ashton Agar, and Pakistan internationals Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz.
Franchises will also have the opportunity to strengthen their squads with established T20 performers such as Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Evin Lewis, Chris Lynn, Wiaan Mulder, and Ryan Burl.
The five participating teams — Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Gallants, Jaffna Kings, and Kandy Royals — will assemble squads of between 18 and 20 players as they balance local talent with overseas experience ahead of the new season.
The player pool also includes several notable Pakistan cricketers, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim, Akif Javed, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
Teams seeking spin options will have a wealth of choices, including Ish Sodhi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Piyush Chawla, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Cole McConchie, while experienced international campaigners such as Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Martin Guptill, Temba Bavuma, Gulbadin Naib, and Rahkeem Cornwall are also available for selection.
Other leading Associate Star candidates include USA fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nepal star Dipendra Singh Airee, Scotland seamer Safyaan Sharif, USA captain Monank Patel, Corey Anderson, and Ali Khan.
The LPL 2026 Player Draft will begin at 2:30 PM local time in Colombo and is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the fortunes of the five franchises ahead of another highly competitive season.