LPL 2026: Sikandar Raza joins Dambulla Sixers as franchises confirm player replacements

Sikandar Raza has joined the Dambulla Sixers squad for the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, with the franchise confirming his arrival on July 27 as an injury replacement for Marques Ackerman. His debut for the side did not go to plan: Raza scored 23 off 25 balls and went wicketless across his four overs in a defeat that stretched Dambulla's losing run to three consecutive games.

The loss left Dambulla with five defeats from six round-robin matches, meaning playoff qualification is no longer in their own hands. Their final group fixture is a must-win against Jaffna Kings on August 2, and they will also require results elsewhere to fall in their favour to reach the knockouts.

Raza's signing is one of several squad changes confirmed across LPL 2026 franchises as the tournament enters its closing stages. The Dambulla-based side has also added Sonal Dinusha to their group, while Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi has departed for national duty following the loss to Colombo Kaps. 

What squad changes have Colombo Kaps and Galle Gallants confirmed?

Colombo Kaps have made a series of updates to their roster. Kushal Bhurtel, who had been expected to arrive at the franchise, will not be joining after all, which allows Crishan Kalugamage, previously on a temporary arrangement, to remain with the side through to the end of the tournament. Ashen Bandara has come in as cover for the injured Kusal Mendis.

On the bowling front, Hasan Mahmud has been recalled by Bangladesh for national commitments, and Ripon Mondol, also from Bangladesh, has been brought in as his replacement. Galle Gallants confirmed on Wednesday that Chris Lynn and Mehidy Hasan Miraz had both departed Sri Lanka. Lynn had been sidelined by an injury that kept him out of a couple of matches early in the tournament and was unable to return to fitness. Mehidy had always been scheduled for an early exit from the competition, and Australia's Thomas Rogers has come in to fill his spot. Earlier in the tournament, Kavija Gamage had already joined the Galle squad as cover for the injured Vishen Halambage.

How has Towhid Hridoy's arrival shaped Jaffna Kings' playoff push?

Jaffna Kings made their own replacement earlier in the tournament when Towhid Hridoy was brought in after his Bangladesh team-mate Taskin Ahmed withdrew following a national call-up. Hridoy wasted no time making his presence felt, striking 35 off 21 balls in one appearance and then an explosive 31 off just 8 balls in another. Those innings have helped lift Jaffna from the foot of the LPL 2026 standings to a confirmed playoff berth. Their final group game on August 2 is against Dambulla, a match that carries far greater urgency for the Sixers, who must win and hope for favourable results elsewhere to keep their slim knockout hopes alive.