Colombo, June 2 -- The impact substitutions rule is set to make its debut in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), alongside a new regulation requiring every team to have an Under-23 player (born on or after July 1, 2003) in their playing XI at all times, even after an impact substitute is used.

These two significant rule changes were among the key factors influencing the strategies of the league's five franchises during the LPL 2026 draft, held in Colombo on Monday, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Both rule changes placed a premium on smart squad construction. From the four pre-signed players to the 16-18 selections made during the draft, franchises had to carefully balance experience and youth, deciding which key roles could be entrusted to relatively...