Kusal Mendis Ignores Pakistan Reporter Over Ridiculous IPL Question Amid PSL 2026

Kusal Mendis [Source: screengrab]

Kusal Mendis orchestrated yet another Peshawar Zalmi win this PSL 2026 season, this time against a dumbfounded Lahore Qalandars unit in match 19 of the tournament. Batting at number three, the Sri Lanka veteran compiled 74 runs off just 48 balls at the National Stadium in Karachi before bowlers Michael Bracewell and Sufiyan Muqeem wrapped up the Qalandars line-up.

Fittingly bagging the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his performance, Kusal Mendis was later subjected to an absurd IPL-related question amid PSL 2026, one he chose not to respond.

Kusal Mendis shrugs off Pakistan reporter at press conference

While speaking with the reporters during the post-match press conference, Peshawar Zalmi’s Sri Lanka import and ‘Player of the Match’ Kusal Mendis was asked a question about his history with the IPL in India.

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A certain Pakistani reporter asked Mendis if he had any “regret” for leaving PSL 2025 midway into the season last year to join the rebel IPL in India for the Gujarat Titans franchise. The reporter also implied that the PSL in Pakistan has now ‘welcomed and respected’ Mendis with open arms for returning back to the country for PSL 2026.

The cricketer, seemingly calm, shrugged off the reporter with no response. Instead, the 31-year-old smiled it off before a team representative nearby intervened and urged the reporter to ask PSL-related questions only.

Sheri.

@CallMeSheri1_

Q: Last year, you withdrew from the PSL to play for the Gujarat Titans due to security concerns. This time, the PSL is welcoming you back with respect. Do you have any regrets about withdrawing from the PSL last year? Kusal Mendis started laughing and didn’t give any answer. VC

Apr 11, 2026, 8:09 PM

When Kusal Mendis left PSL for IPL in India

Last year, Kusal Mendis was roped in by the Quetta Gladiators for his maiden PSL stint. However, after playing just eight matches, the cricketer opted out of the tournament citing security concerns.

Mendis was later acquired by the Gujarat Titans as a replacement for England’s run machine Jos Buttler for the IPL 2025 season.

Mendis whacks 74, as Babar Azam and co. remain unbeaten

Mere days after smearing a match-winning 109 off just 52 balls for the Peshawar Zalmi, Kusal Mendis unleashed yet another decisive knock for his franchise in the ongoing PSL 2026 season. Batting at number three, the cricketer punched out 74 off 48 balls with five boundaries and four huge sixes in Karachi.

Captain Babar Azam also cracked 43 as the Zalmi franchise shaped 173-7 in 20 overs upfront. In response, three-wicket hauls from Michael Bracewell (3-18) and Sufiyan Muqeem (3-21) folded up the Lahore Qalandars for just 97.

Kusal Mendis not only bagged the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his batting heroics, but also extended his PSL 2026 tally to 241 runs in just four innings, thus finding himself at the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts.

Moreover, the Peshawar Zalmi also jumped to the top of the PSL 2026 points table with four wins and a no result from five matches, having accumulated nine points at a formidable NRR of 3.103. As of now, the Babar Azam-led side remains the only unbeaten team of the season.

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