Sri Lanka's star all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been handed a one-year ban from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following a comprehensive review of his contract breach.
Dasun Shanaka banned from PSL for 1 year
Shanaka had originally committed to the Lahore Qalandars for the ongoing 2026 season. The disciplinary action stems from his decision to withdraw from the tournament on March 21. Just one day after exiting the PSL, the 34-year-old was signed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he joined the squad as a replacement for Sam Curran.
"The review concluded that the player's unilateral withdrawal from the tournament 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. While the Board has taken note of the player's expressions of regret and his stated passion for playing in Pakistan during the formal hearing, the severity of the contractual violations necessitates regulatory action to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of the League," a PCB review stated, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
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This incident highlights a broader trend fueled by the overlapping schedules of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the tournament windows increasingly coincide, players have shown a growing willingness to exit the PSL in favor of opportunities in the more lucrative Indian league. This is not an isolated case; last year, Corbin Bosch left the Peshawar Zalmi to join the Mumbai Indians. Similarly, this season, Blessing Muzarabani and Spencer Johnson opted to leave the PSL for IPL contracts, with Muzarabani subsequently handed a two-year ban from the Pakistani tournament for his decision.
I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from PSL: Dasun Shanaka
Shanaka ended up apologizing the PSL franchise and fans as he regretted his decision.
"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. 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," Shanaka said in a release.