The Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a ban on Sri Lankan star cricketer Dasun Shanaka for choosing the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This comes after imposing a two-year ban on Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani.

PCB reportedly banned Dasun Shanaka from PSL for a year while sanctioning a 2-year ban for Blessing Muzarabani. For the 2026 season, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has retired from his PSL to join IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.

Dasun Shanaka joined IPL over PSL for 2026 season

Rajasthan Royals brought in Shanaka as a replacement for England international Sam Curran, who was ruled out due to a groin injury. As Shanaka refused to play PSL 2026, Lahore Qalandars signed Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams as a 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 a review, the board found that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League was a clear example of non-compliance with both the terms of player registration and the Tripartite Agreement.

“Following a thorough review of the recent contractual developments involving Dasun Shanaka and the Lahore Qalandars, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued its final determination on the player’s eligibility for future editions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL),” PCB stated in an official statement on its 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 for reasons not recognized within the existing contractual framework,” the statement further reads.

PCB further reports that Dasun Shanaka apologized for his action. Shanaka, in his statement, stated that when he decided to skip PSL 2026, he had no plans to play in any other franchise league around the world and wishes to play in the PSL in the future.

Shanaka apologized 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 the HBL PSL and the cricket community at large. 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 very sorry for having disappointed you,” Dasun Shanaka said in his statement.

“I must clarify that at the time I retired from the HBL PSL, I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I have the utmost respect for the Pakistani fans and have always enjoyed my stay 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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