Rawalpindi Pindi franchise owner Ahsan Tahir has demanded a ban on Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani. The PSL franchise owner made his comments after international cricketers abandoned their Pakistan Super League (PSL) commitments to secure lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts.
These departures of foreign players have seriously troubled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the franchises ahead of the season. Notably, the PSL and IPL share overlapping schedules this year. The Pakistani domestic competition is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 26, while the IPL will begin on March 28.
PSL franchise owner Ahsan Tahir demands ban on Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani
Dasun Shanaka recently left Lahore Qalandars to replace Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals. Earlier, Blessing Muzarabani had left his PSL contract to join Kolkata Knight Riders.
Speaking on the Relukattai Show, Ahsan Tahir criticized foreign players leaving to join IPL teams, saying the Pakistan Cricket Board should protect national pride.
“It should be banned, completely banned, and strict legal action should be taken because at the end of the day, you are dealing with the economy. Not only are you incurring financial losses as a league, but you are also breaking the hearts of millions of fans.”
“National pride is nothing to joke about, so strict action should be taken.” @thepindiz team owner, @M_Ahsaan_Tahir Advocated taking action against players leaving PSL contracts to play elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/veF61Ku28G
– The Relukatay Show (@relukattay) 22 March 2026
“You can’t put a price on that kind of disappointment. It’s also about national pride, and there can be no compromise on that. We are not investing in a team, we are investing in the country, so national pride should never be taken lightly. Strict action must be taken.”
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi promises action against departing foreign players
Ahsan Tahir further said that Pakistani franchise owners spend huge amounts of time and money in preparing organized teams. The sudden withdrawal at the last minute seriously damaged the team’s dynamics and disappointed ardent cricket supporters.
Luckily for the frustrated franchise owners, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has promised to take strict action. During a recent press conference, Mohsin Naqvi assured the stakeholders that the PCB will strictly enforce the existing contract rules.
Naqvi made reference to Corbyn Bosch, who faced a severe ban after giving up his PSL contract to accept a lucrative deal with Mumbai Indians last year.
Pakistan Super League 2026 to be held behind closed doors; Mohsin Naqvi confirmed
Apart from the ongoing exodus of foreign players, the Pakistan Cricket Board is facing major logistical challenges. Mohsin Naqvi has officially announced that the Pakistan Super League will be held behind closed doors.
The decision comes due to the severe national fuel crisis linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Organizers have canceled the PSL opening ceremony to save fuel. Additionally, matches will be restricted to two venues – Karachi and Lahore – as the PCB has decided to continue with the tournament despite considering a postponement.
While Mohsin Naqvi briefly considered postponing the league, the PCB ultimately decided against it due to the absence of a suitable window in the jam-packed international cricket calendar.
Also read: “I don’t like it” – Axar Patel attacks BCCI over ‘Impact Player’ rule in IPL
