Dasun Shanaka handed one-year ban from PSL after joining Rajasthan Royals for IPL

Dasun Shanaka has been banned from participation in the Pakistan Super League for one year after rescinding a deal to sign for an IPL team.

The Sri-Lankan all-rounder was signed by the Lahore Qalandars franchise, who had signed him for PKR 75 lakh for the 2026 season. He withdrew from the league on March 21 and two days later signed for the Rajasthan Royals as an injury replacement for Sam Curran.

“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,” PCB said in a statement on Monday.

“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,” it read further.

Shanaka has stated in the release expressing his feelings on the decision and apologised for letting down the faithful fans of the Pakistani tournament. He expressed his desire to participate in the league in the future.

“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of PSL, and the wider cricket community. 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,” the release quoted him saying.

“I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the PSL I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I have the greatest respect for Pakistani 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.”

Shanaka joins a host of players who have been banned from the PSL for rescinding contracts in favour of IPL deals. Blessing Muzarabani has been in the news of late after his agency clarified that there was no contract signed between the player and Islamabad United, the franchise he was set to replace. Muzarabani signed for the Kolkata Knight Riders after rescinding his deal, after which he was handed a two-year ban.