Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das has withdrawn from the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) after failing to make a full recovery from injury, ending his hopes of representing Galle Gladiators in this season’s tournament.
The experienced opener had been signed by Galle Gladiators outside the official player draft, reflecting the franchise’s confidence in his international pedigree, attacking batting style and dependable wicketkeeping skills. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had also granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing the way for him to participate in Sri Lanka’s premier franchise T20 competition.
Liton had initially planned to prioritise the LPL despite Bangladesh’s busy international schedule. There had even been speculation that he could lead the national side during the T20 series against Zimbabwe. Instead, he chose to focus on the franchise tournament, viewing it as an opportunity to gain valuable match practice in a competitive environment.
Those plans changed after he sustained an injury during the third One-Day International against Australia. Medical assessments following the match led doctors and the Bangladesh team management to recommend an extended period of rest and rehabilitation rather than an early return to competitive cricket.
The injury first ruled Liton out of the subsequent T20 series against Australia before forcing him to miss Bangladesh’s One-Day International series against Zimbabwe. As his rehabilitation continues, he has now decided to withdraw from the Lanka Premier League to avoid risking further complications and to ensure a complete recovery.
His absence represents a significant setback for Galle Gladiators. Liton brings extensive experience in white-ball cricket, where his ability to score quickly during the powerplay, negotiate the new ball and contribute behind the stumps makes him a valuable all-round asset. The franchise had expected him to play a key role in its campaign, but injury has prevented those plans from materialising.
The 2026 edition of the Lanka Premier League is scheduled to begin on 17 July and will run until 8 August. The tournament has become one of South Asia’s most competitive franchise T20 leagues, regularly featuring Sri Lanka’s leading cricketers alongside prominent international players. It continues to provide an important platform for emerging talent while offering experienced professionals the opportunity to compete in high-intensity cricket ahead of international assignments.
At the start of the season, five Bangladeshi cricketers were expected to feature in the competition. Liton’s withdrawal reduces that number to four. Bangladesh will now be represented by Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud. Shakib and Taskin had already secured direct signings with Jaffna Kings before the player draft, highlighting the continued demand for Bangladeshi players in franchise cricket.
For Liton, however, the immediate priority is not a swift comeback but a complete one. Bangladesh face an important international calendar in the coming months, making his long-term fitness far more valuable than a rushed return for a single tournament. Although missing the LPL deprives him of valuable match practice and franchise experience, a full recovery will give him the best chance of returning to both international and domestic T20 cricket at his highest level. Once fully fit, Liton is expected to resume his role as one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished white-ball cricketers, bringing both experience and versatility to the national team and future franchise competitions.