PCB hands 1-year ban to Dasun Shanaka for choosing IPL over PSL contract

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Sri Lanka all rounder Dasun Shanaka from participating in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following his withdrawal from the ongoing edition of the tournament. Shanaka was found to have breached his agreement with Lahore Qalandars by opting out of the PSL 2026 to play for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).

A comprehensive review of the contractual developments between Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars found that his unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026 was a clear breach of both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement, according to a statement from PCB.

Shanaka also expressed his apologies to PCB for his late withdrawal from the PSL and hoped for his return to the tournament soon.

“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,” said Shanka in a media release.

“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.

Shanaka was bought for USD 27,000 at the PSL 2026 player auction by Lahore Qalandars. However, before the start of the season, he left the side to join Rajasthan Royals (RR) as an injury replacement for Sam Curran for Rs 2 Crore (USD 214,000). It was a return after three years to the IPL for Shanaka, who’s yet to feature in a single game for the team.

Shanaka became third player to be banned 

Shanaka became the second player in recent times to be banned from PSL after Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani also met the same fate for choosing to play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2026 over Islamabad United in PSL. Earlier in 2025, Corbin Bosch was also banned for one season of PSL after pulling out of his contract. 

He was signed as a Diamond Pick by Peshawar Zalm, but later pulled out of his contract and was subsequently signed as an injury replacement by Mumbai Indians (MI).