Vijay Shankar Joins Lanka Premier League Days After IPL Retirement – Vijay Shankar Joins Kandy Royals for Lanka Premier League Season 6
A New Chapter for Vijay Shankar
The cricket world is abuzz with the news that former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Vijay Shankar has penned a deal with the Kandy Royals for the upcoming sixth season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). This transition comes just days after the 35-year-old all-rounder announced his retirement from both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket, signaling his intent to pursue opportunities in global T20 leagues.
The Lanka Premier League is scheduled to kick off on July 17, with the high-stakes players’ draft set for June 1. With over 650 overseas players from 21 countries registering for the draft, the league is shaping up to be a highly competitive tournament featuring various categories, including Local and Overseas Icons and Stars.
Reflecting on a Career and Looking Forward
Vijay Shankar, who represented India between 2018 and 2019 and featured in the ODI World Cup, has had a long and storied career. Having started his journey at the age of 10, the veteran all-rounder expressed deep gratitude for his time at the highest level. In a poignant social media post, he noted that representing his country remains one of his proudest achievements.
Regarding his decision to step away from the domestic circuit and the IPL, Shankar stated, “Have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket.” This move is widely seen as a strategic step to explore various international franchise tournaments, with potential appearances in the BPL, Canada T20 League, and the Major League Cricket (MLC) on the horizon.
The Context of the Move
Shankar’s association with CSK was extensive, having first played for the franchise in 2014. His final stint with the Men in Yellow in 2025 was challenging, yielding only 118 runs across 5 innings. Following his release ahead of the 2026 auction, the lack of interest from other franchises likely accelerated his decision to transition toward global league cricket.
It is important to note that BCCI regulations currently prohibit active Indian cricketers from participating in overseas leagues. Consequently, players like Shankar must officially retire from domestic and IPL commitments to regain eligibility for foreign tournaments. Historically, very few Indian players have featured in the LPL; notable examples include Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan, both of whom participated in the inaugural season for the Kandy Tuskers.
Implications for Indian Cricket and the Cooling-Off Debate
The swiftness of Shankar’s move—signing with the Kandy Royals just days after his retirement announcement—has reignited long-standing discussions regarding the BCCI’s potential implementation of a cooling-off period. Previous conversations within the board had suggested a one-year waiting period for retired players before they could enter overseas leagues to prevent premature retirements.
While no such official rule is currently in place, the trend of players seeking greener pastures in global leagues continues to challenge the established framework of Indian cricket management. As Vijay Shankar prepares to don the Kandy Royals jersey, the cricket community will be watching closely to see how this move influences the broader landscape of franchise cricket. With the LPL 6 draft fast approaching, all eyes remain on the Kandy Royals and their strategy to bolster their squad with experienced international talent.
As the tournament begins in mid-July, the presence of players like Shankar adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the Lanka Premier League, proving that the demand for seasoned all-rounders in the T20 format remains as high as ever.
