48 Bangladeshi cricketers register for LPL 2026 draft
A Major Presence from Bangladesh in the LPL 2026 Draft
The anticipation for the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is reaching fever pitch as cricket boards and players prepare for the upcoming draft. With the tournament scheduled to begin on July 17, the interest from international players has been overwhelming. It has been confirmed that 48 Bangladeshi cricketers register for LPL 2026 draft, signaling a strong intent from the nation’s players to make their mark on the global T20 stage.
The Global Scope of the Draft
The LPL 2026 has attracted a diverse group of talent, with more than 650 overseas cricketers submitting their names for consideration. Out of this extensive list, the organizers will curate a shortlist of approximately 310 players who will be eligible for selection during the draft, which is slated to take place on June 1. The tournament represents a melting pot of global cricket, with registrations received from 21 different nations.
Among the nations represented, Pakistan leads the tally with 102 players, followed by the West Indies with 75 and South Africa with 66. Bangladesh’s contingent of 48 players is notably robust, highlighting the rising profile of their domestic cricketers. Other participating nations include New Zealand (41), Australia (24), England (15), and India (12), alongside significant interest from associate nations like the UAE, the USA, and Ireland.
Key Bangladeshi Players in the Running
While the full list of registrants is extensive, several high-profile names from the Bangladesh cricket circuit have been identified. The list of 19 confirmed Bangladeshi players includes a mix of established international stars and promising young talents:
- Shoriful Islam
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahedi Hasan
- Shamim Hossain
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Mahmudullah Riyad
- Hasan Mahmud
- Saif Hassan
- Ripon Mondol
- Afif Hossain
- Rakibul Hasan
- Mahidul Islam Ankon
- Nayeem Hasan
- Mukidul Islam
- Samiun Basir Ratul
- Ariful Islam
- Rony Talukdar
Shakib Al Hasan‘s Direct Entry
While many of his compatriots are waiting for their names to be called during the draft process, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has already secured his place in the tournament. Shakib has been confirmed as a direct signing for the Jaffna Kings, bypassing the draft process entirely. His presence as a marquee player will undoubtedly add significant value and draw extra attention to the Jaffna franchise throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead: Tournament Timeline
With the draft officially set for June 1, teams are busy finalizing their strategies and scouting reports to ensure they build balanced squads. Once the teams are finalized, the action will move to the field. The tournament is scheduled to commence on July 17, promising nearly a month of high-octane T20 cricket. Fans can look forward to a grand finale scheduled for August 8, which will crown the champions of the 2026 season. As the countdown to July begins, the focus remains firmly on the upcoming draft and how these 48 Bangladeshi players will impact the landscape of the Lanka Premier League.
