PCB Hands One-Year Ban To Sri Lanka Star For Leaving PSL To Join RR In IPL 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for one year from playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This decision came after he broke his contract with both the league and his team, Lahore Qalandars. Shanaka had been signed for PKR 75 lakh for the PSL 2026 season.

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Why Shanaka breached PSL contract?

The 34-year-old pulled out of the tournament on March 21. Just a day later, he joined Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as a replacement for Sam Curran.

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PCB on Shanaka's one-year ban

According to the PCB, Shanaka’s sudden withdrawal was a clear violation of the agreement he had signed. The board said his reason for leaving did not fall under the conditions allowed in the contract. While they acknowledged that Shanaka showed regret and spoke about his desire to play in Pakistan in the future, the PCB felt strict action was necessary to protect the league’s rules and credibility.

"The review concluded that the player's unilateral withdrawal from the tournament 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 recognized within the existing contractual framework," a PCB review stated as quoted by cricbuzz "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."

Shanaka also apologised for his decision. He said he was truly sorry for pulling out of the PSL and expressed regret to the people of Pakistan, PSL fans, and the cricket community.