LAHORE: Sri Lankan cricketer Dasun Shanaka, who withdrew from this year’s HBL Pakistan Super League and later joined Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, has been banned from the next edition of the PSL, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.
Shanaka is the latest foreign player to be suspended after leaving the PSL and joining the Indian league, which runs almost simultaneously, after Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani got a two-year ban earlier this month.
The PCB said in a media statement that Shanaka had unilaterally withdrawn from the PSL last month.
“Following a comprehensive review of the recent contractual developments involving Dasun Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars, the PCB has issued its final determination regarding the player’s eligibility for future editions of the Pakistan Super League,” the PCB statement read.
“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 12, scheduled for 2027,” the statement added.
Shanaka, in a statement on the subject, regretted the development and tendered an apology.
“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans and the wider cricket community,” the all-rounder said.
“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.
“At the time I withdrew from the PSL I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I have the greatest respect for Pakistan 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Muzarabani’s agent criticised the PSL’s decision of banning the pacer.
Muzarabani had initially agreed to join Islamabad United following the PSL auction but had not yet signed any contract, but pulled out to instead sign for IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and was subsequently banned by the PCB.
In a statement posted on the agency’s social media account, Muzarabani’s agent Rob Humphries said: “We’ve remained quiet publicly over the last six weeks because we did not wish to create or cause anymore animosity for the PSL/PCB than they had already created for themselves.
“On Feb 13, Blessing [was] approached by Islamabad United about a playing opportunity for the 2026 PSL. The deal [was] agreed subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket.
“An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Islamabad United/PSL announced the signing to the world via social media.
“You simply cannot breach a contract you have never received,” the agent added.
Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2026