Mohsin Naqvi and Dasun Shanaka (Source:AFP)
The upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is facing uncertainty even before the start of the season, which is scheduled to begin on March 26 at the Gaddafi Stadium. Earlier reports suggested that Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is likely to withdraw from the tournament.
Dasun Shanaka, who was picked by Lahore Qalandars during the players' auction, may skip the PSL to join the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
Now, in a significant development, it has been confirmed that Dasun Shanaka has opted out of PSL 2026 and has joined the IPL as an injury replacement (as reported by Sri Lankan journalist DANUSHKA ARAVINDA).
Dasun Shanaka joins IPL and opts out of PSL
The Rajasthan Royals have been forced to reshuffle their squad after Sam Curran was ruled out due to a groin injury. The England all-rounder, who was acquired in a high-profile trade deal involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, will miss the entire season starting March 28.
Sam Curran was expected to strengthen the Rajasthan Royals’ death bowling and add depth to their lower order.
However, in a swift move, it has been confirmed that the inclusion of Dasun Shanaka as his replacement. The Sri Lankan captain brings valuable T20 experience, having built a reputation as a powerful middle-order batter and a handy seam-bowling option.
Also Read: Dasun Shanaka Forgets Pakistan Threat; Joins PSL 2026 For Lahore Qalandars Stint
Dasun Shanaka, known for his finishing abilities, has consistently delivered for Sri Lanka. With IPL 2026 fast approaching, Rajasthan Royals will hope Shanaka can step up and fill the void left by Sam Curran.
It is vital to note that Dasun Shanaka previously played in the IPL in 2023. The Sri Lankan all-rounder has only played three matches for the Gujarat Titans and made 26 runs at a strike rate of 100.00.
For PSL, he last played in 2023 for Peshawar Zalmi. In that year, he played in 2 matches and scored 27 runs at an average of 27.00 and a strike-rate of 103.84.
Dasun Shanaka's recent form in T20 World Cup 2026
It is important to mention that Dasun Shanaka last played in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He has played in 6 innings and made 165 runs at a strike rate of 187.50 and an average of 33.00. With the ball, in 5 innings, he has bagged 3 wickets at an economy rate of 9.00.
In the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026, the star player played 2 innings and scored 46 runs at an average of 23.00 and a strike rate of 255.56.
Other players pulled out of PSL 2026
Apart from Dasun Shanaka, several other players have opted out of PSL 2026. The list includes several names, such as Harry Brook, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Faf du Plessis, Blessing Muzarabani, Tymal Mills, Mujeeb-Ur Rehman, Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, among others.
The much-anticipated PSL 2026 will begin on March 26 with Lahore Qalandars taking on Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant Repositions Himself In LSG After Sanjeev Goenka's Pressure For IPL 2026
