Former Indian cricketer retires to play in Lanka Premier League?

May 22, 2026 at 11:17 PM

Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), but is expected to continue playing franchise cricket overseas, including in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Shankar, 35, confirmed his decision in a statement released today, saying he was stepping away from domestic cricket and the IPL to pursue “new opportunities” while continuing to play the game.

Sources familiar with the matter said the former Indian international is expected to feature in the Lanka Premier League 2026.

The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from July 17 to August 8 across four venues — the SSC and R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadiums in Colombo, the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla, and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket, the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Shankar represented India in 12 One Day Internationals and nine T20 Internationals and was part of India’s squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

He has also represented several IPL franchises during his career, including Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Daredevils. (Newswire)