Sports Desk ; DHAKA – Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to feature in the upcoming edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The veteran cricketer has been signed through a direct contract by the tournament’s most successful franchise, the Jaffna Kings.
The LPL tournament authorities officially confirmed Shakib’s signing via a social media announcement.
A Major Boost for Jaffna Kings
Welcoming the Bangladeshi star, the official LPL social media post featured a player card of Shakib with a caption reading:
“One of the best all-rounders in world T20 cricket, Shakib Al Hasan, joins the Jaffna Kings. The franchise has roped him in ahead of the upcoming LPL season. When the team needs stability, Shakib delivers runs with the bat. When the match demands a breakthrough, he picks up crucial wickets with the ball. His immense experience and composure under pressure will be a major asset for the team.”
This will not be Shakib’s first stint in Sri Lanka’s franchise league. He previously played for the Galle Titans in the 2023 edition of the LPL, scoring 138 runs and scalping 11 wickets across 10 matches. This time, he joins the league’s most dominant force—Jaffna Kings have clinched the title four out of the five times the tournament has been held.
Return to Competitive Cricket
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on July 17. In the opening match of the season in Colombo, Shakib’s Jaffna Kings will go head-to-head against the Galle Marvels.
This tournament will mark Shakib’s highly anticipated return to competitive short-form cricket. The iconic Bangladeshi all-rounder last played a recognized T20 match in January, representing the MI Emirates in the ILT20 league.