Shaheen Afridi Returns to Kandy Royals as LPL Playoff Battle Begins
Colombo: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has rejoined Kandy Royals ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 playoffs, providing a major boost to the franchise as it prepares for the knockout stage.
The playoffs are set to begin on August 5 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with Kandy Royals strengthening their squad by including three Pakistani cricketers—Shaheen Afridi, Khushdil Shah, and Hasan Nawaz.
The franchise confirmed that the trio has replaced Moeen Ali, Sediqullah Atal, and Brandon McMullen in the squad for the playoff phase.
Shaheen had briefly returned to Pakistan due to personal reasons but has now rejoined the team in time for the decisive matches.
Earlier in the tournament, the left-arm pacer was involved in a disagreement with the Kandy Royals management after he was unexpectedly left out of the official team sheet during a match against Colombo Capitals. Although he had been informed that he would feature as an Impact Player, his name was omitted from the final list due to what the franchise later described as an analyst’s error.
The management subsequently apologized to the Pakistan international, clarifying that the omission was accidental.
With Shaheen back in the lineup alongside Khushdil Shah and Hasan Nawaz, Kandy Royals will look to strengthen their title hopes as the LPL enters its crucial playoff stag
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