Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan are among the 11 countries to have registered their names for the Lanka Premier League 2 draft, the Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed.
The 2011 World Cup winner Yusuf bid adieu to international cricket earlier this year and is now up for grabs in LPL-2. Yusuf’s brother, Irfan Pathan, is already part of the LPL franchise Kandy Tuskers.
Shakib’s inclusion for the draft is an interesting one since the BCB had denied its cricketers permission to participate in the inaugural season of LPL in Sri Lanka last year. The board seems to have relaxed its stance on the matter, allowing not just Shakib but six other cricketers, including Tamim Iqbal, to take part in the tournament’s second edition.
From South Africa, limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma, spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, as well as former quick Morne Morkel, are eyeing stints in LPL-2. Several West Indies, Pakistan and Afghanistan players have shown their interest as well.
Australia’s James Faulkner, who had done well in the Pakistan Super League 2021, is also part of the coming draft and is expected to be high on demand. Usman Khawaja, Ben Dunk and Callum Ferguson are among other players from Down Under available for the LPL-2 draft.
New Zealand quick Mitchell McClenaghan, Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batsman Brendan Taylor, USA pacer Ali Khan and Nepal wrist-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane are also available for LPL’s second edition.
“Last year’s success has certainly made a difference with more players from many cricket playing countries looking forward to play in the LPL, which is a very good sign for the League and Sri Lanka cricket,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Vice President Mr Ravin Wickremaratne said in a media release.
