Sri Lanka allrounder Dasun Shanaka has been suspended from the Pakistan Super League for one season after opting out of his contract with Lahore Qalandars and subsequently joining Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the decision following what it described as a “comprehensive review”, concluding that Shanaka had violated his contractual obligations. According to the PCB, his unilateral withdrawal amounted to “a clear breach of both the player registration terms and the tripartite agreement”, making him ineligible for PSL 2027.
PCB Tightens Stance on Player Withdrawals
Shanaka’s case follows closely after Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was banned for two PSL seasons for leaving Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. That penalty remains the strictest imposed by the PCB for withdrawing from the league, although Muzarabani’s agent later described the sanction as “incredibly excessive.”
With Shanaka’s suspension, he becomes the third player to face a PSL ban under similar circumstances, alongside Muzarabani and South Africa allrounder Corbin Bosch, who was barred from participating in the current season after moving to the IPL last year.
Shanaka Issues Apology
In response to the decision, Shanaka expressed regret over his actions and apologised to fans and stakeholders.
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“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 as saying 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.
“I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the 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 PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.”
Financial Shift Behind the Move
Shanaka had been signed by Lahore Qalandars at the player auction for approximately US$27,000. However, he withdrew ahead of the season to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Sam Curran, reportedly earning around US$214,000.
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The move marked his return to the IPL after a three-year absence, although he has yet to feature in a match for his new franchise.
