Vijay Shankar Joins Lanka Premier League Days After IPL Retirement – Vijay Shankar Joins Kandy Royals for Lanka Premier League After Retirement
A New Chapter for Vijay Shankar
The landscape of global franchise cricket is shifting, and veteran Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar is at the forefront of this change. Only days after hanging up his boots in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket, the 35-year-old has confirmed his participation in the sixth season of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), joining the Kandy Royals franchise.
This move comes as part of a larger trend where experienced players look toward international T20 leagues to extend their careers once their domestic commitments in India conclude. With the LPL 6 scheduled to kick off on July 17, the excitement surrounding the player draft—set for June 1—has reached fever pitch.
The Road to the Lanka Premier League
The LPL has continued to grow in prestige, attracting significant interest from global talent. Reports indicate that over 650 overseas players from 21 different nations registered for the draft, with 310 individuals successfully shortlisted across various categories, including Local Icon, Overseas Icon, Local Star, and Overseas Star.
For Vijay Shankar, the transition to the Kandy Royals offers a fresh start. A former Indian international who featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup, Shankar brings a wealth of experience to the side. His tenure in the IPL was highlighted by his stint with the Chennai Super Kings, concluding in 2025 after a challenging season where he managed 118 runs in 5 innings. Following his release by the franchise and a lack of interest in the subsequent auction, Shankar chose to pivot toward global opportunities.
Reflecting on a Decorated Career
Announcing his retirement through a heartfelt social media statement, Shankar expressed deep gratitude for his journey. “Cricket is my life. I started playing when I was 10, and 25 years later, I am grateful and blessed to have played at every level, and to the highest level. Representing our country will always be one of my proudest and happiest moments,” he shared. He further noted that his decision to step away from domestic cricket and the IPL was driven by a desire to pursue new challenges and play more cricket on the global stage.
The Policy Landscape for Indian Players
The BCCI maintains a strict policy barring active Indian cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues. This regulation explains why players like Vijay Shankar must announce their retirement from the domestic circuit to become eligible for tournaments such as the LPL, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Canada T20, and the Major League Cricket (MLC). Historically, the participation of Indian players in the LPL has been rare, with stars like Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan among the few to have featured in the league during its inaugural season.
Debating the Future of Franchise Cricket
Shankar’s rapid signing with the Kandy Royals has reignited discussions regarding the BCCI’s stance on player retirements and subsequent league participation. There has been ongoing debate surrounding the potential introduction of a ‘cooling-off period’—a rule that could mandate a year-long wait for retired players before they can sign with foreign franchises. Such a rule, if implemented, would serve as a deterrent for players seeking immediate transitions to other leagues following their retirement from Indian cricket.
As the LPL prepares for its sixth edition, the inclusion of seasoned campaigners like Vijay Shankar highlights the enduring appeal of the league. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how these veteran players adapt to the competitive environment of Sri Lankan cricket, and whether this influx of talent will push the BCCI to formalize new regulations regarding the retirement-to-league pathway.
