Dasun Shanaka Gets One-Year PSL Ban After Joining IPL

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been handed a one-year ban from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following a contract breach with the league and the Lahore Qalandars, who had signed him for PKR 75 lakh to feature in the ongoing PSL 2026 season.

The 34-year-old Shanaka withdrew from the PSL on March 21 and was signed just a day later by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as a replacement for Sam Curran.

A PCB review concluded that his unilateral withdrawal “constituted a clear breach of both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement,” noting that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognized within the existing contractual framework. The board acknowledged Shanaka’s expressions of regret but emphasized that regulatory action was necessary “to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of the League.”

Shanaka, who captained Sri Lanka in the recent T20 World Cup, issued an apology through the PCB release: “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.”

He clarified that at the time of his withdrawal, he had no intention of joining another tournament, and expressed his hope to return to the PSL in the future with renewed dedication.

The incident highlights a growing trend of players defecting to the IPL during the overlapping PSL window. Last year, Corbin Bosch spurned a Peshawar Zalmi gig to join Mumbai Indians. This year, Blessing Muzarabani and Spencer Johnson also jumped ship, with Muzarabani receiving a two-year PSL ban.

                                               

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