Bangladesh Cricket

30 Bangladeshi cricketers included in LPL 2026 Player Draft

Kavya Reddy · · 3 min read

The Countdown to the LPL 2026 Player Draft

The cricket world is turning its attention to the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), with the highly anticipated Player Draft scheduled for June 1. This year’s tournament promises to be a massive spectacle, bringing together elite talent from across the globe to compete in Sri Lanka’s premier T20 competition. As the draft date approaches, it has been confirmed that a total of 421 cricketers will be available for selection, consisting of 179 local Sri Lankan players and 242 international stars.

A significant highlight for fans in Dhaka and beyond is the strong representation from the Tigers. After a rigorous preliminary review process, it has been officially confirmed that 30 Bangladeshi cricketers included in LPL 2026 Player Draft will be vying for a spot in the final franchise squads. These players, ranging from seasoned veterans to emerging talents, are eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Understanding the Draft Structure

The LPL organizers have implemented a structured categorization system to ensure balanced team compositions. The players are divided into five distinct categories: Platinum, Gold, Classic, Emerging, and Associate Stars. This classification helps teams strategically plan their budgets and squad requirements.

For the overseas contingent, which includes players from various Test-playing nations, the distribution is as follows:

  • Platinum: 31 players
  • Gold: 64 players
  • Classic: 99 players
  • Associate Stars: 48 players
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On the local front, the Sri Lankan player pool is equally competitive, featuring 17 Platinum, 34 Gold, 80 Classic, and 48 Emerging category players. This depth of talent ensures that the competition level throughout the tournament remains world-class.

Key Bangladeshi Talents to Watch

The list of Bangladeshi players in the draft is a testament to the country’s growing depth in T20 cricket. Several well-known international stars are hoping to secure lucrative contracts. The lineup includes high-profile names such as Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, and the experienced Mahmudullah Riyad. Additionally, the pace bowling department is well-represented by the likes of Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, who have consistently performed on the big stage.

The complete list of the 30 Bangladeshi stars in the draft pool features: 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, Litton Das, Mukidul Islam, Mosaddek Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Abu Hider Rony, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Tanvir Islam, Yasir Ali, Zakir Hasan, Shohidul Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, and Taijul Islam.

What to Expect on Draft Day

The LPL 2026 Player Draft is set to begin at 2:00 PM Bangladesh time on June 1. For the players, this day represents an opportunity to prove their value in the shortest format of the game, while for the franchise owners, it is a crucial day to build a championship-winning side. With 48 Bangladeshi players having initially registered for the event, the final selection of 30 reflects the high standards set by the tournament scouts and organizers.

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As the clock ticks toward the draft, the anticipation is palpable. Will these 30 Bangladeshi players be the missing pieces in the franchise puzzles? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the presence of such a talented group of cricketers will undoubtedly add flavor and intensity to the upcoming Lanka Premier League season. Stay tuned to the official draft proceedings to see which teams secure these talented individuals for the 2026 campaign.