Shakib Al Hasan to represent Galle Gladiators, Babar Azam to play for Colombo Strikers in LPL 2023

Shakib Al Hasan vs England. (Photo Source: ICC)

Bangladesh ODI skipper Shakib Al Hasan has signed for Galle Gladitators for the upcoming edition of the Lanka Premier League. Reportedly, the all-rounder, along with his national teammates Litton Das and Afif Hossain, has registered for the draft but the two-time finalists made a direct deal with him. This will be his first season in the LPL and he will have the pressure to deliver as Galle have never managed to win the title.

Notably, the draft will be taking place on June 11 but all five teams have the liberty to sign players ahead of that. Sri Lanka international Wanindu Hasaranga, who has done reasonably well in the ongoing Indian Premier League, has been re-signed by Kandy Falcons while the three-time champions Jaffna Kings have made a brilliant acquisition by signing the South Africa international David Miller. The 33-year-old has played some sensational cricket in the last few months and has managed 255 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2023.

Meanwhile, the Colombo Strikers, who will play their first season of the Lanka Premier League this year, announced a star-studded Icon Players line-up. The Icon Players include Pakistan Captain Babar Azam, highly talented Pakistan speedster Naseem Shah and Sri Lankan T20 stars Matheesha Pathirana and Chamika Karunaratne.

Wanindu Hasaranga likely to lead Kandy Falcons

When it comes to Hasaranga, the star all-rounder is likely to lead Kandy Falcons in the forthcoming season. Under his able leadership, the Falcons finished at the top of the points table last season but lost to Colombo Strikers in Qualifiers 2. Thus, he will gunning to get the job done this time around and help Kandy win their first championship.

Meanwhile, a report in Daily Star claims that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam will be seen playing for Colombo Strikers in the upcoming season. Sri Lanka ace pacer Matheesha Pathirana is expected to join them as well and thus, the upcoming LPL will be a star-studded affair, something Sri Lanka cricket wanted for a long time. The reason behind hosting it in the month of August is that the board wants to involve more international stars to bring more fans and sponsors.