PCB Bans Shanaka for One Year Over PSL Withdrawal

The Pakistan Cricket Board imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka on Monday, barring the all-rounder from the 2027 edition of the Pakistan Super League after he withdrew from a contract with Lahore Qalandars to join the Indian Premier League.

Shanaka, who captains Sri Lanka in T20 internationals, had been signed by the defending PSL champions Lahore Qalandars for 7.5 million Pakistani rupees during the league's player auction in February. The 34-year-old was set to feature in PSL 11, but on March 21, just days before the season opener, he pulled out citing personal reasons. Lahore Qalandars replaced him with Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams. Two days later, Rajasthan Royals announced Shanaka's signing as an injury substitute for England's Sam Curran in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, where he has yet to make his debut.

In a statement, the PCB explained that a review of the withdrawal found it violated the player registration terms and the tripartite agreement governing the league. "The findings indicated that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognized within the existing contractual framework," the board said. Officials noted Shanaka's expressions of regret...