PCB Chairman Takes Stand Against Last-Minute PSL Withdrawals for IPL

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, has announced strict measures against players who withdraw from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the last minute. This comes after recent withdrawals, including Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka, who left the Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals. Naqvi emphasized the importance of maintaining the PSL's integrity and stated that players would face consequences similar to those imposed on Corbin Bosch last year. The PSL is set to begin on March 26, just before the IPL starts, highlighting the ongoing competition between the two leagues.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 20:10 IST

PCB Chairman's Commitment to Action

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has expressed his determination to take action against players who opt to leave the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last moment to join the Indian Premier League (IPL). This situation arises as both leagues are set to clash for the second consecutive year. Recently, Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka withdrew from the Lahore Qalandars to step in for the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals. Previously, Shanaka participated in the IPL 2023 season with the Gujarat Titans, where he played three matches and scored a total of 26 runs.

Shanaka is the second player in a short span to switch from a PSL team to an IPL franchise, following Blessing Muzarabani's exit from Islamabad United after being approached by Kolkata Knight Riders to replace Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

PCB Chairman's Stern Warning

Naqvi stated, "We will enforce rules against players who withdraw. Last year, Corbin Bosch faced a one-year ban from the PSL for a similar situation, and we will not hesitate to impose similar consequences this time. The overlap with the IPL is not a concern, as we also attract top talent to our league. We cannot delay the PSL since there are no other available windows throughout the year," as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Precedents and Other Withdrawals

Bosch was a key player for Peshawar Zalmi last season but opted to join the Mumbai Indians in the IPL instead. The PSL has experienced several other player withdrawals, including Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson, with most citing personal reasons for their exits.

The PSL is scheduled to commence on March 26, just two days prior to the IPL's start across the border.