Shaheen Afridi Continues LPL Campaign After Team Selection Mix-Up
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi reportedly remained with the Kandy Royals in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after a team selection error briefly created uncertainty over his participation in a recent match.
According to media reports, Afridi had been informed by the franchise that he would be used as the team’s Impact Player during the match against the Colombo Capitals. However, after Kandy opted to bat first, it was discovered that his name had not been included on the official team sheet submitted before the match.
Reports indicate that the omission occurred due to an administrative error, preventing the franchise from introducing Afridi under the tournament’s Impact Player regulations.
The incident reportedly left the Pakistan pacer disappointed, and there were reports that he considered leaving the tournament early. However, franchise officials and tournament organizers held discussions with the player, after which he agreed to continue representing Kandy Royals.
Under the LPL’s Impact Player rule, teams must nominate eligible substitute players before the start of a match. Only players included on the officially submitted team sheet can be introduced during the game, making the administrative submission an important part of the match process.
According to reports, Afridi also raised the matter with tournament officials, and the issue was subsequently reviewed by the relevant match authorities.
League officials later confirmed that the situation resulted from an incorrect team sheet being submitted before the match. The franchise and tournament organizers reportedly apologized to Afridi for the error.
Before the incident, Afridi had featured in three matches during the tournament, recording bowling figures of 1/41, 1/32, and 2/34. He was unavailable for the affected fixture solely because his name was not included on the official team sheet.
The matter has since been resolved, and Afridi is expected to continue his participation in the remainder of the Lanka Premier League campaign.
