IPL is the most popular cricket league in the world. Following the concept of franchise cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) initiated its own league in the year 2020. The organizers named the competition as the Lanka Premier League. The second edition of LPL 2021 will happen later this year.
Last year, there were five teams in the Lanka Premier League, namely the Jaffna Stallions, the Galle Gladiators, the Dambulla Viiking, the Kandy Tuskers and the Colombo Kings. The Jaffna Stallions emerged as the champions under the leadership of Thisara Perera, while the Galle Gladiators finished as the runners-up of the tourney.
SLC announced the Draft for the tournament recently and opened the window for the players to register. Quite a few big names have registered themselves for LPL 2021 Draft. Six players who were once big match-winners in IPL are also a part of the list. Here’s a look at those six cricketers.
6. James Faulkner
James Faulkner has been a part of four IPL teams. He achieved much success with the Rajasthan Royals, but after the team got suspended, he joined Gujarat Lions.
Because of his injury issues, Faulkner has not got a contract in IPL after the 2017 season. The Aussie all-rounder has registered his name for LPL 2021 Draft.
5. One of the big Indian names in LPL 2021 Draft – Yusuf Pathan
Last year, Irfan Pathan, Manpreet Gony and Sudeep Tyagi were a part of LPL. Now, ahead of the 2021 LPL Draft, Yusuf Pathan has registered his name for the event.
Yusuf has retired from international cricket now. However, he was in action in the Road Safety World Series and could play in the Lanka Premier League now.
4. Dwayne Smith
Dwayne Smith made a name for himself with his blockbuster performances in IPL. He had the ability to hit the big shots and also take wickets with his medium pace.
The Caribbean all-rounder can be a part of the Lanka Premier League now. Like James Faulkner, Smith has not played in the IPL after the 2017 season.
3. Former IPL Purple Cap winner Morne Morkel is in LPL 2021 Draft
Former South African speedster Morne Morkel has also registered for the event. Morkel once won the prestigious IPL Purple Cap award in the league.
Now, he has moved to Australia, and recently he participated in the Big Bash League. Morkel will likely get a contract at the LPL Draft as well.
2. Ravi Rampaul
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore star Ravi Rampaul is one of the big names in the list. Rampaul is a right-arm fast bowler who plays for West Indies.
He has been away from the Indian Premier League for quite some time. Perhaps, he could return to the league by performing well in the Lanka Premier League.
1. Mitchell McClenaghan
Mitchell McClenaghan was once one of the lead bowlers of the Mumbai Indians. Surprisingly, the Mumbai-based franchise has released him.
McClenaghan went unsold at IPL Auction 2021. Now, he has registered for the Lanka Premier League and there is a chance he will be a part of the league now.
