Sri Lanka had reason to smile at the 2026 Major League Cricket domestic draft as Shehan Jayasuriya and Amshi de Silva secured contracts, highlighting a positive Lankan presence in the evolving American T20 landscape.
Jayasuriya, 34, returns to the Seattle Orcas setup after being released last year. The experienced all-rounder appears determined to mount one final push, having recently underlined his form with a first-class century in Sri Lanka. His recall reflects the continued trust franchises place in seasoned campaigners capable of adding balance with both bat and ball.
Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka A seamer Amshi de Silva earned a significant breakthrough after being picked up by the Texas Super Kings. In a draft where franchises showed a clear appetite for pace options, the right-arm quick’s selection represents an important opportunity to showcase his skills on an international franchise platform. The contract, reportedly in the $50,000 bracket, marks a valuable step forward in his professional career.
The draft, however, also produced a notable surprise with former USA captain Steven Taylor going unsold. Once a central figure in the American setup and the number one overall pick in the inaugural MLC draft, the 33-year-old found no takers after being released by Seattle Orcas, underscoring the unpredictable nature of draft dynamics.
Seventeen players were selected overall, with franchises continuing to lean towards experienced performers from full-member cricket systems. The selections also reflected the league’s ongoing effort to strengthen its fast-bowling resources, with multiple seamers attracting interest across teams.
