Lanka Premier League (LPL) to incorporate two new significant rules for the upcoming 2026 edition. The Impact Player rule, similar to the IPL and the mandate of including at least one U23 player in every team’s playing eleven throughout a match will come into effect. The above rules were finalized before the LPL 2026 player draft and are anticipated to bring a new dimension to team selection and match strategy with the competition scheduled to commence later this year. The teams are also in the process of finalizing their respective squads for the tournament. IPL Style Impact Player Rule to be Implemented in LPL The Impact Player rule was initially introduced by the IPL in the 2023 season. The rule allows teams to substitute a player from their starting eleven with a substitute during the game. This gives teams a chance to have 12 specialized players in their side which can be beneficial according to different match situations. The rule was originally inspired by the Big Bash League’s X-Factor rule which came into existence in 2020 but with a few changes which took out the time limit that was part of the Australian variation. However, even with the impact player rule becoming a constant in the IPL it has faced a lot of criticism from many active and former players. They argue that the rule devalues the contribution of all-rounders and will help teams achieve bigger scores. There have been reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering reviewing the rule after this current season. Alongside the Impact Player rule the LPL has introduced a mandatory U23 rule for the tournament in 2026. Every team has to include at least one player born after July 1, 2003 in their playing eleven. He will not be substituted by a player born before July 1, 2003. Also Read | PV Sindhu Joins RCB's Celebration With a Humorous Lucky Charm Message International Stars feature in LPL 2026 Squads The announcement comes after franchises scout for talent for the next season with plenty of International names featuring in the respective squads. Kandy Royals are said to have roped in Former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar, Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, Captain Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Daniel Sams among many other players. LPL 2026 squads SC Jaffna Kings: Taskin Ahmed, Dunith Wellalage, Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, David Wiese, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamil Mishara, Traveen Mathews, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohommed Shiraz, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lizaad Williams, Dipendra Airee, Kugathas Mathulan, Praveen Manisha, Nishan Madushka Colombo Kaps: Ben McDermott, Kamindu Mendis, Jimmy Neesham, Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Milan Ratnayake, Janith Liyanage, Shahnawaz Dahani, Jeffrey Vandersay, Thanuka Dabare, Movin Subasingha, Mohammed Haris, Hasan Mahmud, Kushal Bhurtel, Malsha Tharupathi, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, Wanuja Sahan, Anthony Pragasam The two new rule changes along with a wealth of talent being added into the mix ensures that LPL 2026 will undoubtedly be an interesting affair to watch out for.