Sri Lanka Cricket Team with Mohsin Naqvi for PSL. Image Credits: AFP
Another day and another dramatic situation has arisen in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). The Pakistan league, playing under tough conditions due to the country's geopolitical turmoil, has been the epicentre of controversy.
PSL 2026 is ongoing in the same window as its Indian counterpart, the IPL 2026, which has limited the participation of quality foreign players to the Pakistan extravaganza. Despite that, the league has been able to put on a show for its fans.
Earlier, contracted players such as Dasun Shanaka, Blessing Muzarabani, and Spencer Johnson had withdrawn from the PSL 2026 to opt to serve as replacements in the IPL. Later, the PCB banned the Zimbabwean seamer after signing a contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
A day after the PCB banned Blessing Muzarabani for two PSL seasons, another developing news has emerged from the league.
Pavan Rathnayake rejects prolific PSL contract
It is understood that Pavan Rathnayake had turned down a contract with Islamabad United to feature in the PSL 2026. Reportedly, the 23-year-old batter rejected the PSL to concentrate on the longer formats.
Thus, Rathnayake choose his duties for Sri Lanka A to play against New Zealand A. He has already played three unofficial One Dayers, and is currently featuring in the 1st unofficial of the two four-day matches.
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The exciting young batter is not the first Sri Lanka to reject such a prolific contract. Earlier, the then Sri Lankan T20I captain Dinesh Chandimal had turned down contracts from Pune Warriors and Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2013.
Pavan Rathnayake - The next big thing in Sri Lanka
Pavan Rathnayake debuted for Sri Lanka in late 2025 on the back of his performances in the domestic circles. Despite limited performances in T20s, the right-handed batter was included in the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Rathnayake was one of the brightest stars in the global event, scoring 205 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 155. He slammed two fifties in the tournament and was the key player as Sri Lanka ruled out Australia with a famous win.
Overall, he has played four ODIs and 12 T20Is in his brief career, which includes an iconic century vs England in Colombo.
Often compared to former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, the 23-year-old has a strong head on his shoulders. Even Joe Root praised the youngster after his maiden ton for his calmness and mature demeanour.
What's next for Sri Lanka?
After an embarrassing exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, there is genuine political pressure on the Sri Lanka team. The upcoming tours of the West Indies, England and India are of utmost importance to them, as they are set to play 9 ODIs, as many T20Is, and 2 Tests in the coming season.
With a busy schedule, the Sri Lanka board will look to invest heavily in upcoming talents like Pavan Rathnayake, Pathum Nissanka- who is with DC for the IPL 2026- Kamil Mishara, and Dunith Wellalage.
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