Summary All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was picked by Galle Gallants in the platinum overseas category
(Web Desk) - Five Pakistan cricketers were selected by different franchises in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 players draft held on Monday, with a total of six Pakistani players now set to feature in the upcoming season.
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was picked by Galle Gallants in the platinum overseas category, alongside left-arm pacer Akif Javed, who was selected in the gold category.
Colombo Kaps secured two Pakistani players, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris picked in the classic category and fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani added in the gold category.
Dambulla Sixers selected pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr in the gold category. The franchise had earlier signed Sahibzada Farhan as an overseas icon pre-draft, taking the total number of Pakistan players in the tournament to six.
The LPL 2026 will run from July 17 to August 8, featuring five franchises — Jaffna Kings, Colombo Kaps, Kandy Royals, Galle Gallants and Dambulla Sixers.
The opening fixture will be staged under lights at the Sinhalese Sports Club Grounds in Colombo, which recently hosted its first T20 International during this year's T20 World Cup.
The SSC will host the opening three-day block of matches (July 17–19) before the competition moves to Dambulla, followed by Kandy.
The league stage will then return to Colombo, with the knockout matches and final scheduled at the R. Premadasa Stadium. A reserve day has been set aside for the final on August 9.
Pakistan players picked at LPL 2026 players draft:
Colombo Kaps: Mohammad Haris (Classic) and Shahnawaz Dahani (Gold)
Galle Gallants: Mohammad Nawaz (Platinum) and Akif Javed (Gold)
