Dasun Shanaka Faces One-Year Ban from PSL Following IPL Contract Controversy

Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan cricket captain, has been suspended for one year from the Pakistan Super League after opting to join the Rajasthan Royals for the IPL. This decision, made after he was signed by the Lahore Qalandars, led to a breach of league rules. The PSL's ruling has raised eyebrows, especially given the differing penalties for similar infractions among players. Shanaka has publicly apologized for his actions, expressing regret and a desire to return to the PSL in the future. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about consistency in disciplinary measures within the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 21, 2026, 00:11 IST

Dasun Shanaka's Suspension from PSL

The captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team, Dasun Shanaka, has received a one-year suspension from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to his decision to join the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Shanaka was brought on board by the Royals as a replacement for Sam Curran after he went unsold during the IPL Mini Auction held in Abu Dhabi last December. Following his unsold status, he entered the PSL auction and was acquired by the Lahore Qalandars for PKR 75 lakhs (approximately ₹25 lakhs). However, after signing with the Royals, he opted out of the PSL, resulting in the disciplinary action against him. Notably, the Royals signed him for ₹2 crores (PKR 5.99 crores), marking an 800% increase from his previous contract.

Shanaka Issues an Apology

The PSL released a statement indicating that a thorough review had been conducted, revealing that Shanaka had violated league regulations. Consequently, he will be barred from participating in the 2027 PSL season. The statement detailed that Shanaka's withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, was a clear breach of the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement. Despite acknowledging Shanaka's remorse and his enthusiasm for playing in Pakistan during the hearing, the board deemed the violations serious enough to warrant regulatory measures to uphold the league's integrity. "Effective immediately, Dasun Shanaka has been declared ineligible for the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 12), scheduled for 2027," the PSL announced.

In his apology, Shanaka expressed regret over his decision to withdraw from the PSL, stating, "I sincerely apologize to the people of Pakistan, the fans of HBL PSL, and the broader cricket community. The HBL PSL is a prestigious tournament, and I understand the disappointment my actions have caused. To the loyal fans of Lahore Qalandars, I am truly sorry for letting you down. At the time of my withdrawal, I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I hold Pakistani fans in high regard 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."

Concerns Over Inconsistent Punishments

The situation has sparked confusion, particularly as Blessing Muzarabani received a two-year ban for a similar infraction. This discrepancy in penalties has raised questions about the fairness of the disciplinary actions taken by the PSL. A tweet highlighted the inconsistency: "🚨 PCB has banned Dasun Shanaka for one year 🚨 Muzarabani has been banned for two years, while Motie and Johnson haven’t faced any consequences — why this difference?" The controversy surrounding Muzarabani has intensified, especially after his agent claimed he never signed a contract with Islamabad United. Additionally, Corbin Bosch was previously banned for just one year after leaving the PSL for the IPL, where he currently plays for the Mumbai Indians.