Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will rejoin the Kandy Royals for the remainder of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) after the franchise secured a place in the 2026 playoffs, tournament organizers said.
Afridi had left the tournament earlier under an agreement to return if Kandy qualified for the knockout stage. He now rejoins the squad at a crucial point after the team’s playoff hopes were kept alive following a rain-affected match between the Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Sixers.
The Kandy Royals have also signed Pakistan internationals Khushdil Shah and Hassan Nawaz to strengthen their squad for the playoffs. The trio replaces Moeen Ali, Sediqullah Atal and Brandon McMullen, who have left the team.
Meanwhile, the Jaffna Kings have made one change to their squad. Nishan Madushka has departed for national duty, and Vishad Randika has been named as his replacement.
The LPL playoffs begin Wednesday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. The opening day will feature the Qualifier between the Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants, followed by the Eliminator, in which the Kandy Royals will face Colombo KAPS for a place in the next stage of the tournament.
