Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has banned Sri Lankan star cricketer Dasun Shanaka for choosing Indian Premier League (IPL) over Pakistan Super League (PSL). This comes after Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was banned for two years.
According to reports, the PCB banned Dasun Shanaka from the PSL for one year, while they sanctioned a 2-year ban for Blessing Muzarabani. For the 2026 season, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has withdrawn from his PSL to join IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
Dasun Shanaka joins IPL instead of PSL for 2026 season
Rajasthan Royals signed Shanaka as a replacement for England international Sam Curran, who was ruled out with a groin injury. As Shanaka refused to play PSL 2026, Lahore Qalandars brought in Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams as his replacement.
Pakistan Cricket Board has issued a clear statement on the decision taken against the Sri Lankan all-rounder. Through an official statement, PCB said that they have taken this step after reviewing the contract between the cricketer and PSL team Lahore Qalandars.
PCB explains why they have banned Shanaka for one year
Following review, the Board has found that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League was a clear example of a breach of both the player registration conditions and the tripartite agreement.
“Following a comprehensive review of the recent contractual developments involving Dasun Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued its final determination regarding player eligibility for future editions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL),” the PCB said in an official statement on its website.
The statement further read, “The review concluded that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, is a clear breach of both the player registration conditions and the tripartite agreement. The findings indicate that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognized within the existing contractual framework.”
PCB further informed that Dasun Shanaka has apologized for his actions. Shanaka claimed in his statement that when he decided to leave PSL 2026, he had no plans to play for any other franchise league around the world, and he wants to play in the PSL in the future.
Shanaka apologized for his actions
Dasun Shanaka said in a statement, “I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and I apologize to the people of Pakistan, the fans of the HBL PSL, and the wider cricket community. 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 to disappoint you.”
He said, “I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the HBL PSL, I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I have great respect for the Pakistani fans and I have always enjoyed my time in Pakistan. I hope to return to the HBL PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.”
Read more: Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB hits back at Blessing Muzarabani after ‘no contract’ allegations