Shaheen Afridi returns as Kandy Royals eye LPL 2026 Title push

COLOMBO: The Kandy Royals have received a timely boost ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 playoffs, with Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi set to rejoin the squad for the tournament’s decisive knockout stage.

Afridi’s return comes as welcome news for the Royals, who are preparing for a high-stakes Eliminator after sealing a dramatic place in the playoffs. The left-arm fast bowler had briefly left the tournament last week due to personal commitments, leading to widespread speculation that his LPL campaign had ended. However, the franchise has confirmed that the Pakistan star will return just in time for the business end of the competition.

Adding further firepower to the squad, Kandy have also recruited Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah and explosive batter Hassan Nawaz. The trio is expected to significantly strengthen both the batting and bowling departments as the Royals chase their first LPL title in recent years.

The arrivals come following the departure of experienced all-rounder Moeen Ali, Afghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal, and Scotland international Brandon McMullen, who have left the squad after completing their commitments. Despite losing three key overseas players, Kandy management moved swiftly to secure quality replacements capable of making an immediate impact.

Kandy Royals’ road to the playoffs was anything but straightforward. At one stage, their qualification hopes appeared to be fading, but fortune smiled on the franchise when a rain-affected clash between Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Sixers produced the result they needed to advance. The dramatic turn of events kept their championship dream alive and set the stage for an exciting knockout campaign.

With Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack once again, expectations among supporters have risen considerably. The Pakistani left-armer has consistently been one of the world’s premier white-ball bowlers, renowned for his ability to strike early with the new ball and deliver under pressure in crunch moments.

The LPL 2026 playoffs begin on August 5 at Colombo’s iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The opening day will feature a Qualifier between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants, while Kandy Royals will face Colombo KAPS in a must-win Eliminator.

Victory would keep Kandy’s title hopes alive and move them one step closer to lifting the LPL trophy. With Shaheen Afridi back in the lineup and two more Pakistani stars joining the squad, the Royals believe they have the experience, balance and firepower needed to challenge for championship glory in Sri Lanka’s premier T20 competition.