Sri Lanka Players in PSL 2026 | Complete List of Registered & Selected Players
By David Alfred
The presence of Sri Lanka cricketers in the Pakistan Super League has always added balance, skill, and experience to the competition. In PSL 2026, Sri Lanka once again showed strong participation, with a large number of players registering for the draft. This reflected not only the league’s growing global reach but also the interest of Sri Lankan players in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.
However, despite a deep and diverse pool of talent, only a handful of players managed to secure contracts. This creates an interesting contrast between registration volume and actual selection, which needs a deeper look from both performance and strategy perspectives.
https://panelborders.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/todays-show-manhwa-and-metamorphosis/
http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2012_11_04_archive.html
https://www.mcst.go.kr/servlets/eduport/front/upload/UplDownloadFile?pFileName=%EB%A7%8C%ED%99%94_%EC%B0%BD%EC%9E%91_%EC%83%9D%ED%83%9C%EA%B3%84_%ED%99%9C%EC%84%B1%ED%99%94_%EB%8C%80%EC%B1%85.pdf&pRealName=C39DAF92BE3A4fda97D51DC4EE1D1E34.pdf&pPath=0302000000
https://alliance-fansub.ru/showthread.php?t=7868&page=2
http://www.noteforum.co.kr/newsall/view/16237
https://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=40187&site=marvel
http://chargesbira.blogspot.com/2013/09/argelia-ai-vou-eu.html
https://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=588002
http://www.sctoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12235
https://blog.naver.com/flyl22/140145265214
https://casting.kyobobook.co.kr/post/detail/17523
https://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4223813
https://rutracker.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3571126
https://allthecom.info/15/82/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/youngki-min-55719034/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnewgEMynZBgtomFD5RJj_g
Strong Sri Lanka Presence in PSL 2026 Draft
For PSL 2026, more than forty Sri Lankan players entered the draft across multiple categories. The list included internationally recognized names such as Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, and Angelo Mathews. Alongside these senior players, a significant number of emerging cricketers and domestic performers also registered.
The composition of this pool clearly showed variety. There were aggressive top-order batters, reliable wicketkeeper-batters, pace bowlers suited for powerplay and death overs, and spin bowlers who could control the middle phase of the game. In addition, several all-rounders offered dual skills, which are highly valued in T20 leagues.
This diversity indicated that Sri Lanka was not just participating but competing seriously for spots in PSL 11 squads.
| Sr. # | Name of Player | Specification | Batting Style | Bowling Style | Base Price |
| 1 | Dasun Shanaka | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 42,000,000 |
| 2 | Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 42,000,000 |
| 3 | Charith Asalanka | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 22,000,000 |
| 4 | Kusal Perera | Wicketkeeper Batter | Left Hand Bat | Slow left-arm orthodox | 22,000,000 |
| 5 | Angelo Mathews | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 22,000,000 |
| 6 | Asitha Fernando | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Fast | 22,000,000 |
| 7 | Avishka Fernando | Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 22,000,000 |
| 8 | Dilshan Madushanka | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Left-Arm Fast | 22,000,000 |
| 9 | Janith Liyanage | Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium | 22,000,000 |
| 10 | Pramod Madushan | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 22,000,000 |
| 11 | Bhanuka Rajapaksa | Wicketkeeper Batter | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium | 11,000,000 |
| 12 | Binura Fernando | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Left-Arm Medium Fast | 11,000,000 |
| 13 | Dhananjaya De Silva | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 11,000,000 |
| 14 | Dinesh Chandimal | Wicketkeeper Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 11,000,000 |
| 15 | Niroshan Dickwella | Wicketkeeper Batter | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 11,000,000 |
| 16 | Dhananjaya De Silva | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 11,000,000 |
| 17 | Dushan Hemantha | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 11,000,000 |
| 18 | Vijayakanth Viyaskantha | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 11,000,000 |
| 19 | Ashen Bandara | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 6,000,000 |
| 20 | Chamika Karunaratne | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 21 | Dhananjaya Lakshan | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 22 | Dunith Wellalage | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Slow left-arm orthodox | 6,000,000 |
| 23 | Garuka Sanketh | Bowler | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 24 | Jeffrey Vandersay | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 6,000,000 |
| 25 | Kasun Rajitha | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 26 | Kavishka Anjula | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 27 | Lahiru Kumara | Bowler | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 28 | Lahiru Milantha | Wicketkeeper Batter | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 29 | Lahiru Samarakoon | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 30 | Lahiru Udara | Wicketkeeper Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 31 | Milan Rathnayake | Bowler | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 32 | Minod Bhanuka | Wicketkeeper Batter | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 33 | Mohamed Dilshad | Bowler | Left Hand Bat | Left-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 34 | Mohamed Shiraz | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 35 | Nipun Ranshika | Bowler | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Fast | 6,000,000 |
| 36 | Nuwanidu Fernando | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 37 | Pavan Rathnayake | Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 6,000,000 |
| 38 | Ramesh Mendis | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 39 | Sachitha Jayathilake | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 6,000,000 |
| 40 | Sadeera Samarawickrama | Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 41 | Sahan Arachchige | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 42 | Sangeeth Cooray | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 43 | Sonal Dinusha | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Slow left-arm orthodox | 6,000,000 |
| 44 | Thanuka Dabare | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 45 | Tharindu Rathnayake | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Slow left-arm orthodox | 6,000,000 |
| 46 | Traveen Mathew | Bowler | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Offspin | 6,000,000 |
| 47 | Vishen Halambage | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 6,000,000 |
This is complete list of 47 Sri Lanka players who registered themselves for PSL 2026. Some of them selected for the edition while all remaining gone unsold.
Sri Lanka Players Selected in PSL 2026
Despite the strong presence in the draft, only four Sri Lankan players were picked by franchises. These selections highlight a very specific approach taken by teams when choosing overseas players.
| Sr # | Player Name | Role | Batting Style | Bowling Style | PSL 2026 Price |
| 1 | Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper Batter | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Legspin | 4.2 Crore |
| 2 | Kusal Perera | Wicketkeeper Batter | Left Hand Bat | Slow Left-Arm Orthodox | 3.1 Crore |
| 3 | Dunith Wellalage | All Rounder | Left Hand Bat | Slow Left-Arm Orthodox | 1.1 Crore |
| 4 | Dasun Shanaka | All Rounder | Right Hand Bat | Right-Arm Medium Fast | 0.75 Crore |
These four players represent different roles within a T20 team, which explains why franchises prioritized them over others.
Why Many Sri Lankan Players Remained Unsold
Although the registered list was strong, most Sri Lankan players did not find buyers in PSL 2026. This outcome was not purely based on lack of talent. Instead, it reflects the realities of franchise cricket and team strategy.
Firstly, PSL teams have limited overseas slots. This means franchises must be extremely selective and focus only on players who fit specific roles. As a result, even experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal or Niroshan Dickwella were overlooked.
Secondly, the competition from other cricketing nations was intense. Players from England, Australia, and the West Indies brought strong T20 records, which influenced selection decisions. Therefore, Sri Lankan players had to compete not just within their group but against global talent.
Another important factor was team combination. Franchises were not just selecting individuals; they were building balanced squads. If a team already had a similar type of player, they were less likely to pick another with the same skill set. This directly impacted players like Charith Asalanka and Angelo Mathews, who, despite their experience, did not fit into specific team requirements.
Key Trends Observed in PSL 2026 Draft
The selection of Sri Lankan players reveals important trends that define modern T20 leagues. Teams are no longer just looking for big names. Instead, they prioritize players who can deliver impact in multiple phases of the game.
Top-order batters with aggressive intent were clearly preferred. This explains the selection of Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera, both known for their ability to control powerplay overs.
All-rounders also gained importance. Players like Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanaka were selected because they offer flexibility, allowing teams to adjust their playing combinations based on match conditions.
On the other hand, specialist players, especially those who contribute in only one area, faced tougher competition. This trend shows that versatility has become a key requirement in franchise cricket.
Impact Potential of Sri Lankan Players in PSL 2026
Although only a few Sri Lankan players are part of PSL 2026, their impact can still be significant. Each selected player brings a unique skill set that can influence match outcomes.
Kusal Mendis has the ability to anchor innings while maintaining a strong strike rate. Kusal Perera can accelerate scoring and break bowling attacks within a few overs. Dunith Wellalage offers control with the ball and stability in the lower order. Dasun Shanaka provides finishing strength and leadership on the field.
If these players perform consistently, they can not only contribute to their teams but also increase the demand for Sri Lankan cricketers in future PSL seasons.
Conclusion
The story of Sri Lanka players in PSL 2026 is one of strong participation but selective success. A large number of players entered the draft, showcasing the depth of talent available. However, only a few managed to secure contracts due to strategic team decisions, limited overseas slots, and intense global competition.
Still, the presence of players like Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dunith Wellalage, and Dasun Shanaka ensures that Sri Lanka continues to play an important role in PSL 11. Their performances will be closely watched, as they have the potential to shape matches and influence future drafts.
As PSL continues to grow, Sri Lankan players will likely remain a key part of the league’s international mix, bringing both experience and emerging talent into one of the most competitive T20 tournaments in the world.
