Vijay Shankar Joins Lanka Premier League Days After IPL Retirement – Vijay Shankar Joins Kandy Royals for LPL 6 After IPL Retirement
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A New Chapter in the Lanka Premier League
The cricketing world is buzzing as the 6th edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) prepares for its highly anticipated kickoff on July 17. With the players’ draft scheduled for June 1, teams are aggressively finalizing their rosters. In a major development, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Vijay Shankar has penned a deal with the Kandy Royals, marking a swift transition from his domestic career to the global T20 circuit.
The LPL Draft and Global Interest
The excitement surrounding the Lanka Premier League continues to grow, with reports indicating that over 650 overseas players from 21 different nations registered for the upcoming draft. From this extensive pool, 310 players have been shortlisted across four distinct categories: Local Icon, Overseas Icon, Local Star, and Overseas Star. This influx of international talent underscores the increasing prestige of the LPL on the global stage.
Vijay Shankar’s Path to Kandy Royals
Vijay Shankar’s decision to join the Kandy Royals comes just days after he announced his retirement from both the Indian Premier League and domestic Indian cricket on May 22. At 35, the veteran all-rounder, who famously represented India in the 2019 ODI World Cup, is clearly looking to extend his career by competing in various international leagues.
Reflecting on his journey, Shankar noted, “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 further clarified that his retirement was a strategic choice: “Have decided to retire from playing domestic cricket and IPL to pursue new opportunities and play more cricket.”
A Look Back at a Storied Career
Shankar’s IPL journey has been a long and winding one. After debuting for CSK in 2014, he played for several franchises throughout his career, eventually returning to the Men in Yellow. However, his most recent stint with CSK in 2025 proved difficult, as the all-rounder managed only 118 runs across 5 innings. Following his release by the franchise, interest in his services during the auction waned, prompting him to pivot toward a career in global franchise cricket.
It is widely expected that the LPL will be the first of many stops for Shankar. Insiders suggest he is also eyeing opportunities in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the Canada T20 League, and Major League Cricket (MLC).
The Changing Landscape for Indian Cricketers
The path taken by Vijay Shankar highlights the rigid stance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which bars active Indian cricketers from participating in overseas leagues. Consequently, players often choose early retirement to maintain their eligibility for foreign tournaments. Historically, only a select few Indian players, such as Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan, have featured in the LPL, having participated in the inaugural season.
The Debate Over the ‘Cooling-Off’ Period
Shankar’s rapid move to the LPL has reignited discussions regarding the BCCI’s potential introduction of a “cooling-off” period. A few years ago, following a trend of players taking premature retirement to play abroad, the board considered a rule that would mandate a one-year waiting period before retired players could join overseas leagues. While such regulations remain a topic of intense debate among experts, the shift of senior players like Shankar to foreign leagues demonstrates the evolving nature of the professional game.
As the LPL season approaches, all eyes will be on how the veteran all-rounder performs in the Kandy Royals jersey. For Shankar, this represents more than just a new team; it is an opportunity to prove his worth on a global platform while continuing his passion for the sport he has dedicated his life to.
