Dasun Shanka Banned By Mohsin Naqvi For IPL Over PSL, Player Issues Official Statement

Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Bans Dasun Shanaka for IPL Over PSL. Image Credits: AFP

In a significant development, Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka has landed in hot water. Notably, Mohsin Naqvi-headed PCB have officially punished the star all-rounder for ditching PSL for IPL.

The punishment came days after Dasun Shanaka left PSL to join the Rajasthan Royals for the ongoing edition of IPL.

Dasun Shanaka Banned for One Year from PSL

PCB issued an official press release which mentioned that the PCB has imposed a one-year ban on Dasun Shanaka for leaving PSL. For the unversed, the 34-year-old had signed a contract with Lahore Qalandars. However, he left the camp after Rajasthan Royals contacted him as a replacement for injured Sam Curran. 

"Effective immediately, Dasun Shanaka has been declared ineligible to participate in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 12), scheduled for 2027, " read the press release.

Shanaka now joins Blessing Muzarabani as the second player to be banned from PSL this year. Notably, the Zimbabwe-international was served a harsher punishment and got a two-year ban for joining KKR in IPL 2026.

Dasun Shanaka Issues Apology To PSL Fans

Interestingly, Shanaka has been fined for just one-year, which is less than Muzarabani’s 2 year ban. The PCB didn’t provide any official explanation behind the move, but the punishment seems to be relaxed because the Sri Lanka captain apologised to the PSL and the PCB for his mistake.

“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of HBL PSL, and the wider cricket community," Shanaka remarked in press release. 

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"The HBL 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."

“I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the HBL 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 HBL PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans," Shanaka concluded.

Dasun Shanaka Yet To Play A Match In IPL 2026

Dasun Shanaka withdrew from PSL on March 21 as mentioned by PCB's press release. Further, on March 22, a day after ditching PSL, he joined Rajasthan Royals as Sam Curran's replacment.

However, unlike Blessing Muzarabani, who has played a few games in IPL 2026, Shanaka is just warming the bench and is still waiting for an opportunity this season. 

Notably, RR have roped in Dasun Shanaka for 2 crores, which is way more than his salary in PSL.

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