PCB bans Dasun Shanaka from next PSL edition over contract breach

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka from taking part in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying his withdrawal from this year’s tournament amounted to a breach of contract.

Shanaka had been picked by defending champions Lahore Qalandars for Rs7.5 million in the accelerated round of the player auction held in February this year. However, three days before the start of the ongoing PSL 11, the franchise announced that he had pulled out for personal reasons and named Australia’s Daniel Sams as his replacement.

In a statement, the PCB said it had carried out a detailed review of recent contractual developments involving Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars after the player withdrew from the tournament on March 21, 2026.

The board said the player’s unilateral withdrawal constituted a clear violation of both the player registration terms and the tripartite agreement. The grounds cited for the withdrawal were not recognised under the existing contractual framework.

As a consequence, the PCB declared Shanaka ineligible for PSL 12, which is scheduled for 2027, with the decision taking immediate effect.

The board said that although it took note of Shanaka’s regret and his stated wish to continue playing in Pakistan, the seriousness of the contractual breach required regulatory action to protect the integrity and exclusivity of the league.

The PCB also said it remained committed to maintaining professional standards and enforcing the binding nature of player contracts to ensure the continued success of the PSL brand.

In comments released by the PCB, Shanaka apologised to supporters in Pakistan and the wider cricket community.

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.

He also said “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.”

Shanaka further said he had not intended to join another competition at the time he withdrew from the PSL.

“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 HBL PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.”

Shanaka left Lahore Qalandars to join Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals. The IPL and PSL have been staged almost at the same time in recent years, limiting the ability of overseas players to appear in both competitions.

Recent disciplinary action

Last week, the PCB also imposed a two-edition ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for breaching his contractual commitments with Islamabad United after he withdrew from the tournament and joined IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

Last year, South Africa’s Corbin Bosch was handed a one-edition ban after choosing to play in the IPL instead of representing Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.