Shakib Al Hasan has been signed by Jaffna Kings for the Lanka Premier League 2026 through a direct contract, the tournament confirmed on its official social media channels on 22 May. The Bangladesh all-rounder joins one of the LPL’s most prominent franchises ahead of what will be his second appearance in the competition.
The Lanka Premier League announced the signing with considerable fanfare, describing Shakib as one of the most complete all-rounders in T20 cricket. “When the team needs stability, he provides runs. When the game needs a breakthrough, he provides wickets. When the pressure reaches its peak, he provides composure,” the LPL wrote. “Jaffna Kings have added one of the finest and most complete all-rounders in T20 cricket to an already formidable lineup.”
Shakib previously played in the LPL in 2023, representing Galle Titans during that edition of the tournament.
The signing adds another dimension to Shakib’s busy franchise cricket schedule at a time when his international future with Bangladesh remains unresolved. The former world number one all-rounder has been absent from the Bangladesh national team since October 2024 due to the political and legal circumstances that followed the change of government in August of that year, but has continued to play franchise cricket across the globe.
