The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head by Mohsin Naqvi, has imposed a ban on Sri Lankan star cricketer Dasun Shanaka for choosing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This comes after imposing a two-year ban on the Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani.
As per reports, PCB prohibited Dasun Shanaka from PSL for one year, while they sanctioned a ban of 2 years for Blessing Muzarabani. For the 2026 season, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has withdrawn from his PSL to join the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
Dasun Shanaka joined IPL over PSL for the 2026 season
Rajasthan Royals signed Shanaka as the replacement of England international Sam Curran, who was ruled out due to a groin injury. As Shanaka refused to play PSL 2026, Lahore Qalandars brought in Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams as his replacement.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has issued a clear statement regarding the decision they have taken against the Sri Lankan all-rounder. Through an official statement, PCB informed that they have taken the step after reviewing the contract between the cricketer and the PSL team Lahore Qalandars.
PCB explained why they have imposed a one-year ban on Shanaka
After review, the board has found that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League was a clear instance of breaching both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement.
“Following a comprehensive review of the recent contractual developments involving Dasun Shanaka and the Lahore Qalandars, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued its final determination regarding the player’s eligibility for future editions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL),” PCB stated in an official statement on their website.
“The review concluded that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, constituted a clear breach of both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement. The findings indicated that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognized within the existing contractual framework,” the statement further reads.
PCB further informs that Dasun Shanaka apologized for his action. Shanaka, in his statement, claimed that when he decided to skip PSL 2026, he had no plan to play for any other franchise leagues across the globe, and he wishes to play in PSL in the future.
Shanaka apologised for his action
“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. 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,” Dasun Shanaka said in his statement.
“I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the HBL PSL, I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I have the greatest respect for Pakistani Fans and 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,” he added.
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