Pakistan Cricket Board Bans Sri Lanka Captain Dasun Shanaka from PSL for One Year After IPL Move
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka’s T20 captain Dasun Shanaka from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after he withdrew from the tournament and joined an Indian Premier League team.
Reason Behind the Ban
According to the PCB, Shanaka’s decision to leave the PSL after being selected by Lahore Qalandars constituted a breach of contractual obligations.
The board stated that his withdrawal on March 21 was made for reasons not recognized under the agreed player registration and tripartite contract terms.
As a result, the PCB enforced a one-year suspension from future PSL participation.
Move to the IPL
After withdrawing from the PSL, Shanaka joined the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for injured England all-rounder Sam Curran during the 2026 season.
Reports indicate that Shanaka signed a contract worth approximately INR 2 crore, bringing his international experience and all-round performance capabilities to the franchise.
Additional Disciplinary Action
The PCB also imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani over similar contractual issues related to PSL participation.
However, his agent has disputed the decision, claiming the player never formally signed a binding agreement with a PSL franchise.
Player Background
Shanaka, aged 34, has represented Sri Lanka extensively across formats, including:
- 6 Test matches
- 71 One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- 131 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- More than 3,350 international runs and 86 wickets
He also previously appeared in the IPL with Gujarat Titans during the 2023 season.
