Shanaka handed one-season PSL ban
Dasun Shanaka has been banned from the Pakistan Super League for one season after the Pakistan Cricket Board found him in breach of his contract with Lahore Qalandars.
The decision follows Shanaka’s withdrawal from the PSL before the season began, after which he signed with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League as a replacement for Sam Curran.
The PCB said Shanaka had “unilaterally” pulled out, which amounted to a clear breach of both the player registration terms and the tripartite agreement. He will now be ineligible for PSL 2027.
Apology softens sanction
Shanaka’s ban is understood to have been reduced after he issued a public apology. In a statement, he said he regretted withdrawing and accepted that his decision had disappointed fans, particularly those of Lahore Qalandars.
He also claimed that at the time of his withdrawal, he had no intention of joining another tournament, though he later signed an IPL deal reportedly worth over Rs 2 Crore significantly higher than his PSL contract.
The PCB said its decision came after a “comprehensive review”, signalling a firmer stance on players backing out of contracts to join other leagues.
A growing pattern and a bigger question
Shanaka is not the first to face action. Blessing Muzarabani was handed a two-season ban earlier for leaving Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders, while Corbin Bosch also faced sanctions last year.
players are willing to risk PSL contracts for IPL opportunities, where the financial upside is often far greater. The PCB, in response, appears determined to draw a line.
But how far can boards go in enforcing these contracts – and will bans like this actually stop players from choosing the IPL when the gap in pay remains so wide?