Dasun Shanaka left the PSL to join the IPL. Courtesy: PTI

After Blessing Muzarabani, PCB punishes Dasun Shanaka for PSL to IPL switch

The Pakistan Cricket Board banned Dasun Shanaka for one year from the Pakistan Super League after he withdrew to join the Indian Premier League, breaching his contract with Lahore Qalandars.

20 Apr 2026, 15:19 by Sabyasachi Chowdhury · India Today

In Short

Dasun Shanaka has been banned from PSL for a year
Shanaka withdrew from PSL to join IPL's Rajasthan Royals
PCB stresses strict adherence to contractual obligations

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Dasun Shanaka from the Pakistan Super League following a contract breach during the 2026 season, underlining its stricter stance on player commitments amid increasing clashes with the Indian Premier League.

Shanaka had been signed by Lahore Qalandars for PSL 2026 after entering the auction, with a deal worth around PKR 75 lakh. However, just days before the tournament, he withdrew to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran in the IPL. As a result, the 34-year-old has been ruled out of the next edition of the PSL.

The PCB viewed this late withdrawal as a direct violation of contractual obligations. Having committed to a PSL franchise, Shanaka’s decision to switch leagues at the last moment disrupted team planning and undermined the league’s contractual framework.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by the PCB, the Sri Lankan all-rounder apologised for the incident.

"I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of HBL PSL, and the wider cricket community," Shanaka was quoted as saying by the PCB.

"The HBL PSL is a prestigious tournament, and I fully understand the disappointment caused by my actions. To the loyal fans of Lahore Qalandars, I am truly sorry for letting you down,” Shanaka added.

This decision came in the backdrop of a growing trend of players prioritising IPL opportunities over PSL due to financial and scheduling advantages. With both leagues now overlapping in their calendars, the PCB has been increasingly vocal about enforcing stricter regulations to ensure players honour their commitments.

PCB BANS BLESSING MUZARABANI FROM PSL

The PCB recently imposed a two-year ban on Muzarabani from the PSL after the pacer made a late switch to the IPL, where he joined three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

In its statement, the PCB stated that Muzarabani had disregarded his commitments despite clearly agreeing to the key terms required to participate in the league. Before moving to the IPL, the Zimbabwe fast bowler had reached an agreement with Islamabad United for the 2026 season.

Initially unsold at the PSL auction on February 11, Muzarabani was later signed by Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph. While he had accepted the core terms of the deal, including remuneration and contract structure, he ultimately opted to join KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, leading to disciplinary action from the PCB.

- Ends