Dasun Shanaka Banned From PSL for One Year Over Contract Breach

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-04-21

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially banned Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka from the Pakistan Super League for one year on April 20, 2026. The board shared the news on social media after Shanaka broke his contract with the Lahore Qalandars to join the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. ### The Ban and Its Immediate Impact The PCB stated that Shanaka's sudden withdrawal on March 21, 2026, violated both league registration terms and a three-way agreement between the player, the league, and the team. As a result, the 34-year-old cricketer is now banned from playing in the 2027 PSL season. This means he won't be able to participate in any PSL matches next year, which is a big blow for fans and his career. ### Why the PCB Banned Dasun Shanaka The controversy began when Dasun Shanaka left the Lahore Qalandars camp just days before the PSL season started. Initially, the Lahore Qalandars signed Shanaka during the February auction for about $27,000. But the Sri Lankan captain quickly changed his plans when the Rajasthan Royals offered him a spot in the IPL. The IPL team needed Shanaka as an injury replacement for England's Sam Curran. The PCB review committee looked closely at the timing of this move. They found that Shanaka's reasons for leaving didn't fit within the allowed rules of his contract. Meanwhile, the board emphasized that they must take strict action to protect the league's reputation. They believe that allowing players to break contracts without punishment would hurt the exclusivity of the PSL. ### Was It All About Money? Shanaka's decision to switch leagues was indeed about money. While his PSL deal was worth about $27,000, the Rajasthan Royals offered him a much larger paycheck. Reports indicate his IPL contract is worth approximately $214,000, which is nearly eight times more money in India than in Pakistan. This financial gap highlights the growing competition between the PSL and the IPL. Both leagues often happen at the same time. So many international players face a tough choice between the two competitions. In this case, Shanaka chose the more profitable option, which led to his current ban. ### Dasun Shanaka Issues Official Apology Dasun Shanaka released a statement regarding the matter immediately after the PCB announcement. He apologized to the PSL fans and the Lahore Qalandars team. Additionally, he stated that he had no intention of joining another tournament when he first withdrew from the PSL. "The HBL PSL is a prestigious tournament, and I fully understand the disappointment caused by my actions," Shanaka said in his apology. He also mentioned that he has always enjoyed his time playing in Pakistan. Furthermore, he expressed hope that he could return to the league in the future and earn back the trust of the fans. ### PCB Banned Other International Players Dasun Shanaka is not the only player facing a ban this year. Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was also banned. The board banned Muzarabani for two years after he left Islamabad United to join the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Additionally, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch faced a one-year ban last year for a similar offense. Meanwhile, Muzarabani's agent, Rob Humphries, has criticized these bans. He called the two-year punishment incredibly excessive and claimed that no official contract had been signed. However, the PCB maintains that verbal and written agreements are binding in professional cricket. ### Key Takeaways for PSL Fans - The PCB is serious about enforcing contract terms to protect the league's integrity. - Players face tough choices between PSL and IPL due to big salary differences. - Apologies don't always reverse bans, as seen with Shanaka's case. For more PSL news and updates, follow JeetWin Blog.