In an important development ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026sri lankan allrounder Dasun Shanaka Has decided to skip the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and link with Rajasthan Royals (RR). According to reports, the move comes as a late replacement signing, with Shanaka set to fill the void left by the England international Sam CurranWho is reportedly out due to injury.
Dasun Shanaka has replaced injured Sam Curran in the RR team.
The Royals have turned to Shanaka as a backup after concerns emerged over Curran’s fitness. The England all-rounder who was traded Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Ahead of the season, he is believed to be nursing a groin injury, which has ruled him out of IPL 2026.
Shanaka, who remained unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, had initially committed to the PSL, where Lahore Qalandars acquired his services for PKR 75 lakh. However, the opportunity to play in the IPL – widely considered the premier T20 league – has prompted the 34-year-old to make a late switch.
For Rajasthan Royals, the inclusion of Shanaka adds depth to their middle-order and provides a reliable seam-bowling option, thereby strengthening the balance of the team.
There is a growing trend among players to give priority to IPL over PSL.
Shanaka’s decision is another example of players choosing IPL over PSL. Earlier this season, Zimbabwe’s fast bowler blessings to muzarabani chose to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur RahmanExcept for his PSL stint with Islamabad United.
This trend is not at all new. South African all-rounder last year Corbin Bosch Made headlines after withdrawing from Peshawar Zalmi From Mumbai Indians in PSL to IPL. His decision led to a one-year ban from the PSL, highlighting the growing tension between the two leagues.
Despite the PSL setting its own window along with the IPL to retain foreign talent, the strategy has not yielded the desired results. The IPL’s global appeal, financial incentives and competitive platform continues to attract players, often at the expense of other leagues.
PCB is considering strict action in case of contract violation
Repeated withdrawals went unnoticed. Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi Recently addressing the issue it has been indicated that the board may take strict or legal action against players who fail to honor their PSL contracts.
Speaking in Lahore on Sunday, March 22, Naqvi stressed the need to protect the integrity of the league and ensure that contractual obligations are respected. The PCB is reportedly looking at ways to prevent last-minute exits of foreign players.
Also read: Former opener predicts SRH’s leading run-scorer and highest wicket-taker for IPL 2026