Dasun Shanaka Forgets Pakistan Threat; Joins PSL 2026 For Lahore Qalandars Stint

Dasun Shanaka against Pakistan [Source: X]

After Dasun Shanaka’s call for a reset of fitness standards after the T20 World Cup 2026 exit, the Sri Lankan skipper is finally cleared to join the Pakistan Premier League 2026 for the Lahore Qalandars.

After being a league marred by fitness issues and injury pullouts, PSL finally has the faith of the Lankan captain, who earlier vowed to end Pakistan’s World Cup 2026 journey, as he joins the Qalandars squad ahead of the tournament.

While Dasun Shanaka was an explosive option with the bat in the recently concluded World Cup, his inclusion in the troop of the three-time PSL winners further bolsters their squad.

Dasun Shanaka Roped In For ₹24.8 Lakh

As per the official social media post of Lahore Qalandars, Shanaka was roped in by the franchise for 75 Lakh PKR or ₹24.8 Lakh days after the PSL 2026 auction concluded.

With the mega tournament set to start from late March, it demanded a strong fitness report for Shanaka. As per the recent news, Shanaka has cleared the fitness test and the white-ball all-rounder will be a part of the team soon.

Notably, this will also be Shanaka’s second PSL stint since he represented Peshawar Zalmi earlier during the 2022-23 season.

Representing Peshawar Zalmi, Shanaka has bagged 27 runs and bowled two overs in his span of two matches, where he averaged 27 at a strike rate of 103.84.

Also Read: Dasun Shanaka Ransacked By Sri Lanka Crowd, Calls Government In Emergency

Dasun Shanaka In Best Shape Ahead Of PSL 2026

Speaking of Shanaka's incredible form, he has garnered 165 runs at the T20 World Cup 2026, where his heroic knock of 31-ball 76 against Pakistan almost handed Sri Lanka a definite win in the Super Eight stage.

With the ball, though, he didn't impress much, but scalped three wickets in his five appearances at an economy rate of 9.00, underlining the impact he will create as an overseas player in the Pakistan Super League.

The Lahore Qalandars squad has roped in several talented overseas players, including Rubin Hermann, Bangladesh's talented wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon, and Zimbabwe's skipper Sikandar Raza in the all-rounder category, alongside Hussain Talat.

Led by Shaheen Afridi, Qalandars will once again aim for a fourth title with a solid bowling line-up featuring players like Mustafizur Rahman and Haris Rauf in their squad. However, Shanaka's addition further strengthens the all-rounder core that earlier seemed weak.

How Shanaka Will Impact Lahore Qalandars Lineup?

Dasun Shanaka will be a solid asset for Qalandars with his experience in Pakistani conditions. In T20I encounters, Shanaka has been impactful with both the bat as well as the ball.

With the bat, Shanaka has a strike rate of 152.4 from the 17 matches he has played, while having two half-centuries to his name on Pakistan soil. With the ball, in eight matches, he has scalped three wickets while maintaining tight lines at an economy rate of 8.41.

Hence, overall, Shanaka's addition makes him one of the most important all-rounders in the possible Playing XI, which will feature a balanced top order complemented by a strong bowling line-up.

Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman To Be Left Out Of Bangladesh Team For His Pakistan Loyalty