Big blow! Dasun Shanaka banned from PSL after leaving for IPL 2026 stint
Dasun Shanaka handed a one-year PSL ban by PCB after leaving Lahore Qalandars for Rajasthan Royals.
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Sri Lanka's all-rounder, Dasun Shanaka, was in huge trouble after choosing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 instead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had laid strict policies for the players who quit after being picked up by a team in the auction. Despite knowing the consequences, Shanaka decided to choose IPL and signed a contract with the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
After Blessing Muzarbani, Shanaka has faced a ban from the PCB. Earlier, he had signed a contract with Lahore Qalandars with a deal worth around PKR 75 lakh. He joined the RR as an injury replacement for Sam Curran in this season.
PCB takes strict action over Shanaka’s sudden PSL exit
PCB have imposed a one-year ban on Dasun Shanaka for leaving PSL mid-way. Unlike Muzarbani, his punishment wasn't harsh since he issued a formal apology to PCB and the fans. Hence, the board went easy on him and handed him a one-year ban from the tournament. He will not be a part of PSL 2027. Shanaka apologised to the crowd and the board for his exit. As per PCB, the last moment withdrawal was a violation of contractual obligation.
"I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of PSL, and the wider cricket community," Shanaka was quoted in the PCB's statement. "The 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."
Why Shanaka chose IPL over PSL mid-season
The IPL is one of the best T20 leagues in the world and has some of the best players involved with ten different franchises. Playing for the teams is equivalent to immense exposure for any player from any country. Hence, we have seen players choose PSL over IPL always. The financial and logistical advantages are also there with the IPL.
Shanaka's choice of going for IPL implies that he wanted to play with players from all around the world and experience the league's craze once. He has already played in the tournament for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the previous season and knows how the league works.
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