![PSL owner slams foreign players for choosing IPL [Source: @Abdullahh_56, @Rise3496/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774248890515_PSLownerdemandsbanonplayerschoosingIPL.jpg?type=hq)
PSL owner slams foreign players for choosing IPL [Source: @Abdullahh_56, @Rise3496/X.com]
In a scathing attack, Rawalpindi Pindiz owner Ahsan Tahir urged PCB to ban Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani for choosing IPL over PSL. He said national pride cannot be compromised, and players must face strict action for disrupting the league.
This year, PSL and IPL are set to be played in the same window, i.e. from March 26 to 28, respectively. Hence, international players are forced to prioritise contracts based on their preferences.
However, in the past week, a lot of players have chosen IPL over PSL, thus rattling the PSL management and team owners.
PSL owner demands ban for Dasun Shanaka, Blessing Muzarabani
For instance, Dasun Shanaka quit Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals as Sam Curran’s replacement. Also, Blessing Muzarabani also ditched PSL at the last moment to join KKR.
These two moves led to a wave of dissent in Pakistan as PCB and PSL team owners lashed out. Ahsan Tahir, Rawalpindi Pindiz’s owner, recently demanded a ban on players who are quitting the PSL to join the IPL.
Talking on the “Relukattay Show", Tahir said PCB shouldn’t let these foreign players mess with national pride, and they must face a ban for disrupting the league.
“National pride ka tou mazak hai hee nahi, tou bilkul strict action lena chahiye," Tahir said.
Tahir said that franchises spend a lot of time, money and effort trying to curate a settled squad. But these last-minute changes not only disrupt the team’s dynamics but also disappoint fans who are emotionally connected to the sport.
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Mohsin Naqvi promises action against foreign players
That being said, Ahsan Tahir’s plea did fall on PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi’s ears, as he promised action against overseas players who quit PSL to join the IPL.
During a recent press conference, Naqvi said the board will act according to rules. He cited the example of Corbin Bosch, who faced a ban last year for accepting a contract with the Mumbai Indians while being on a PSL contract.
Since the same instances have repeated this year as well, Mohsin Naqvi appeared hell-bent on finding a solution to ensure these disruptions are not repeated in the future.
However, for now, PCB’s focus remains on PSL. They have to ensure the league is conducted smoothly amid fuel and global political crises.
PSL to be held behind closed doors
In a big blow, PSL 2026 is set to be conducted behind closed doors due to the fuel crisis linked to the ongoing Iran-USA-Israel conflict. Mohsin Naqvi announced in the press conference that the league will now be played at only two venues, Karachi and Lahore.
Apart from the crowd ban, the opening ceremony for PSL 2026 has also been cancelled. This is to ensure people don’t travel much in Pakistan and save fuel to meet the demands amid the rising shortage.
While Mohsin Naqvi also considered postponing the league, the PCB decided against it due to a lack of a proper window.
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