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PCB Bans Dasun Shanaka from PSL for Breaching Contract for IPL Deal

The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka from the next edition of the Pakistan Super League. The ban follows his unilateral withdrawal from the 2026 tournament with Lahore Qalandars to honour a contract with the IPL's Rajasthan Royals. Shanaka issued a statement expressing deep regret and apologising to Pakistani fans and the cricket community. The PCB stated the action was necessary to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of the league, noting a similar past incident with Blessing Muzarabani.

Key Points: Dasun Shanaka Banned from PSL for IPL Contract Breach

  • One-year PSL ban for contractual breach
  • Withdrew from Lahore Qalandars for IPL deal
  • PCB cites severity of violation
  • Shanaka issues public apology
2 min read

PCB hands SL all-rounder Dasun Shanaka a one-year ban on participation in PSL

PCB bans Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka from next PSL edition after he withdrew to play IPL. Read the details and his apology.

"I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies - Dasun Shanaka"

Karachi, April 20

The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned Sri Lanka seam-bowling all-rounder Dasun Shanaka from participating in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League, citing breach of contractual obligations.

The decision follows after the PCB did a review of Shanaka's withdrawal from the 2026 tournament with Lahore Qalandars to honour an IPL 2026 deal with Rajasthan Royals. Shanaka was named as an injury replacement for Sam Curran by RR in the ongoing season for Rs 2 crore.

"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," said Shanaka in a statement issued by the PCB on Monday.

Qalandars then got Australia's seam-bowling all-rounder Daniel Sams as a replacement for Shanaka. "The review concluded that the player's unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, 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 recognised 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.

"Effective immediately, Dasun Shanaka has been declared ineligible to participate in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 12), scheduled for 2027," said the PCB.

Previously, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani opted out of his deal with the Islamabad United in the PSL to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. After the PCB imposed a two-year ban on him, Muzarabani's agent denied that a binding agreement between the league and the player had been reached before he signed an IPL contract.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the need for rules, a one-year ban seems harsh? He apologized genuinely. The financial pull of the IPL is massive for any player, especially from a smaller cricket board like Sri Lanka. It's a tough spot for athletes.
R
Rohit P
This is the IPL effect, yaar. When an Indian franchise calls with crores on the table, it's hard to say no. But professionalism matters. Lahore Qalandars fans must be really disappointed. Hope he learns his lesson.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this from an Indian perspective. The IPL is our premier league and naturally attracts top talent. But it does create these conflicts. The PCB's move is a warning to other players about honoring commitments. Fair play is important for the global cricket ecosystem.
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Vikram M
The ban is justified, but let's not pretend this is a one-sided issue. These leagues need clearer contracts with proper clauses for such scenarios. "Unilateral withdrawal" points to a loophole or poor drafting. Both the board and the player's management are at fault here.
K
Kavya N
Feel for the fans the most! They get excited for a player and then he leaves for another league. 😞 At the end of the day, cricket is for the fans. Hope this decision makes players think twice before breaking promises.

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