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LPL 2026 Squad Updates: Sikandar Raza Joins Dambulla Sixers as Playoff Race Tightens

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 has witnessed significant squad adjustments across franchises as the tournament enters its final round-robin fixtures. Among the primary updates, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza joined Dambulla Sixers, while several other teams modified their rosters due to injuries, scheduled departures, and national duty call-ups.

What Happened

Dambulla Sixers confirmed the arrival of Sikandar Raza on July 27 as an injury replacement for Marques Ackerman. In his debut for Dambulla, Raza scored 23 runs off 25 balls and bowled four wicketless overs in a defeat. The loss extended Dambulla’s losing streak to three consecutive matches, leaving them with five defeats from six round-robin games and taking playoff qualification out of their hands.

In addition to Raza, Dambulla added Sonal Dinusha to their squad. Meanwhile, Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi departed the franchise for national duty following Dambulla’s defeat to Colombo Kaps.

Other LPL franchises also announced squad alterations. Colombo Kaps confirmed that Kushal Bhurtel, who was expected to join, will not be arriving. This allows Crishan Kalugamage, who was initially on a temporary arrangement, to remain with the team for the rest of the tournament. Colombo also brought in Ashen Bandara as cover for the injured Kusal Mendis. Furthermore, Bangladeshi bowler Hasan Mahmud was recalled for national duty, with Ripon Mondol stepping in as his replacement.

Galle Gallants confirmed the departures of Chris Lynn and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Lynn was sidelined by an early tournament injury and was unable to return to fitness, while Mehidy completed his scheduled early exit. Australia’s Thomas Rogers joined Galle to fill Mehidy’s spot. Earlier in the tournament, Kavija Gamage had joined Galle as cover for injured player Vishen Halambage.

Jaffna Kings previously made a replacement when Towhid Hridoy joined after Taskin Ahmed withdrew due to a national call-up. Hridoy made an immediate impact with scores of 35 off 21 balls and 31 off 8 balls, helping propel Jaffna from the bottom of the standings into a confirmed playoff spot.

Key Highlights

  • Sikandar Raza joined Dambulla Sixers on July 27 as an injury replacement for Marques Ackerman.
  • Dambulla Sixers have lost five of their six group matches and need a victory against Jaffna Kings on August 2 alongside favorable outside results to reach the playoffs.
  • Dambulla added Sonal Dinusha, while Fazalhaq Farooqi left for national duty following the match against Colombo Kaps.
  • Colombo Kaps retained Crishan Kalugamage through the tournament end, added Ashen Bandara for Kusal Mendis, and replaced Hasan Mahmud with Ripon Mondol.
  • Galle Gallants replaced the departing Mehidy Hasan Miraz with Thomas Rogers after Chris Lynn and Mehidy exited the tournament.
  • Jaffna Kings secured a playoff berth following strong performances from replacement batsman Towhid Hridoy.

Why This Matters

These mid-tournament squad updates have directly impacted team performances. Dambulla’s recent loss leaves them relying on external results to stay alive in the competition, whereas Jaffna Kings successfully used their squad adjustment to lift themselves from the bottom of the points table straight into the playoffs.

What to Watch Next

Dambulla Sixers play their final must-win group game against Jaffna Kings on August 2. Dambulla must win this fixture and depend on other group stage results to go their way to secure a spot in the knockouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Sikandar Raza replace at Dambulla Sixers?

Sikandar Raza joined Dambulla Sixers as an injury replacement for Marques Ackerman.

What are Dambulla Sixers’ playoff requirements?

Dambulla must win their final match against Jaffna Kings on August 2 and require other group results to fall in their favor to qualify for the knockouts.

Why did Chris Lynn and Mehidy Hasan Miraz leave Galle Gallants?

Chris Lynn departed after being unable to recover from an injury that sidelined him early in the tournament. Mehidy Hasan Miraz departed as part of a pre-scheduled early exit.

How did Towhid Hridoy perform for Jaffna Kings?

Towhid Hridoy contributed quickfire innings of 35 off 21 balls and 31 off 8 balls, helping Jaffna Kings move from the bottom of the table to a confirmed playoff position.

Source: CricTracker