Colombo: A total of 48 Bangladeshi cricketers have registered for the upcoming player draft of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), scheduled to be held on June 1. The tournament is set to return to the draft system this season after utilizing player auctions over the previous two editions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, more than 650 cricketers from 21 countries have registered for the draft, as disclosed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). However, SLC has not yet revealed the identities of the Bangladeshi players registered for the draft. Notably, defending champions Jaffna Kings have confirmed via social media that they have secured Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed as a direct signing for the upcoming season.
In terms of international participation, Pakistan leads with 120 registered players, followed by 75 from the West Indies, 68 from South Africa, 41 from New Zealand, 24 from Australia, 15 from England, and 12 from India. Players from associate nations, including the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Ireland, have also shown interest by registering for the tournament.
Following a verification process, 310 players will be shortlisted for the final draft list. The new season of the LPL is set to commence on July 17, with Jaffna Kings facing off against runners-up Galle in the opening match. The tournament’s final is scheduled for August 8, with August 9 designated as a reserve day.