LPL 2023: Top player to be retained or pre-signed from each team

The Lanka Premier League's 2023 (LPL 2023) season, which will begin at the end of July, has attracted several well-known players who were weather pre-signed or retained. Here are the five top players to be pre-signed or retained from each franchise.

Jaffna Kings – David Miller

David Miller (Source: Twitter)

David Miller has been pre-signed by Jaffna Kings and there’s no doubt that he’d be the best player pre-signed by the Kings. Miller is a T20 specialist who recently ended the IPL 2023 as runners-up with his franchise Gujarat Titans. He is among the biggest overseas names announced in the league so far. Miller’s big-hitting capabilities as a finisher will definitely be one of the major attractions in the upcoming edition of LPL.

Colombo Strikers – Babar Azam

Babar Azam (Source: Twitter)

Babar Azam, the star Pakistan batter, has been pre-signed by the Colombo strikers. He is undoubtedly one of the biggest names when it comes to Pakistan Cricket. He is a star on the rise and is definitely our pick among the best pre-signed or retained players for the Strikers. This would be the star batter’s first stint in the LPL.

Dambulla Aura – Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade (Source: Twitter)

Former Australia wicketkeeper batter Matthew Wade is another major overseas name announced in the LPL by the Dambulla Aura. Wade is certainly a T20 specialist and is known for quick scoring and hard-hitting. He’d be a great addition to the Auras and is definitely our pick among the pre-signed or retained players in the Auras squad that has some great players like Lungi Ngidi.

Galle Gladiators – Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan (Source: Twitter)

Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer ever, Shakib Al Hasan has been a key signing for Galle Gladiators ahead of the LPL 2023 auction. The allrounder has had successful stints in franchise cricket with the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL and the Bangladesh Premier League as well. He can be considered a T20 specialist and is handier with his bowling. With the willow, he has been criticised from time to time for his slow and steady batting style. But he is capable of hard-hitting and adds great value as a massive cricket icon to the Gladiators.

Kandy Falcons – Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga (Source: Twitter)

For the final franchise, the Kandy Falcons, we have a local star, Wanindu Hasaranga as the best retention. The allrounder just completed his stint with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and was one of the very few sparks for the side. Hasaranga is a handy spinner and is capable of hard hits. He is emerging as a home-grown T20 specialist and would be the perfect player to round up this list. The Falcons have a gem in him who knows the conditions better than most players and can be a key campaigner in their season.