In a significant development, the Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka by Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 upcoming before Pakistan Super League (PSL) leaving the session and Rajasthan Royals (RR) Have decided to join. According to reports, the move comes as a last-minute replacement, with Shanaka returning for England’s Sam Curran He is ready to fill the void left by P.K., who has been ruled out due to injury.
The Royals have selected Shanaka as the backup following concerns over Curran’s fitness. This England all-rounder, who before the season Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Is likely to be ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a groin injury.
Shanaka, who failed to sell in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, had initially committed to the PSL, where Lahore Qalandars acquired his services for PKR 75 lakh. However, the opportunity to play in the IPL—considered the premier T20 league—prompted 34-year-old Shanaka to make a last-minute switch.
For Rajasthan Royals, Shanaka’s inclusion adds depth to their middle-order and provides a reliable seam-bowling option, strengthening the balance of the squad.
Shanaka’s decision is another example of players preferring IPL over PSL. At the beginning of this season, Zimbabwe’s fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) From Mustafizur Rahman He left his PSL stint with Islamabad United.
This trend is not entirely new. Last year, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch in PSL Peshawar Zalmi He made headlines after joining Mumbai Indians in IPL. His decision led to a one-year ban from the PSL, highlighting the growing tension between the two leagues.
Although the PSL has aligned its window with the IPL to retain foreign talent, this strategy has not yielded the desired results. The IPL’s global appeal, financial incentives, and competitive platform continue to attract players, often at the expense of other leagues.
Repeated withdrawals have not gone unnoticed. Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi recently spoke out on the issue, hinting that the board could take strict or even legal action against players who do not honor their PSL contracts.
Speaking in Lahore on Sunday, March 22, Naqvi stressed the need to protect the integrity of the league and ensure that contractual obligations are respected. The PCB is considering measures to prevent more last-minute exits by foreign players.
