Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will rejoin the Kandy Royals for the remainder of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) after the franchise secured a place in the 2026 playoffs, tournament organisers said on Tuesday.

Afridi, who had left the tournament earlier with an agreement to return if Kandy qualified for the knockout stage, comes back at a crucial stage of the competition after the Royals’ playoff hopes were revived by a rain-affected match between the Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Sixers.

Kandy have also signed Pakistan internationals Khushdil Shah and Hassan Nawaz to strengthen their squad ahead of the playoffs. The trio replaces Moeen Ali, Sediqullah Atal and Brandon McMullen, who have departed the team.

The Jaffna Kings have made one change to their squad, with Nishan Madushka leaving for national duty and Vishad Randika named as his replacement.

The LPL playoffs begin on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. The opening day will feature the Qualifier between the Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants, followed by the Eliminator, where the Kandy Royals will face Colombo KAPS for a place in the next stage of the tournament.