Pakistan bans Dasun Shanaka for one year from PSL
April 20, 2026 06:22 pm
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (20) imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka T20 team captain Dasun Shanaka from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over his “unilateral withdrawal” from the ongoing 11th edition.
Following a comprehensive review of the recent contractual developments involving Dasun Shanaka and the Lahore Qalandars, the PCB today issued its final determination regarding the player’s eligibility for future editions of the PSL.
According to the PCB, the review concluded that the player’s unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, constituted a clear breach of both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement. The findings indicated that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognized within the existing contractual framework.
While the Board has taken note of the player’s expressions of regret and his stated passion for playing in Pakistan during the formal hearing, the severity of the contractual violations necessitates regulatory action to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of the League, the PCB noted.
Effective immediately, Dasun Shanaka has been declared ineligible to participate in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League, scheduled for 2027.
Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka has stated:
“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.
“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.”
The PCB said it remains committed to upholding the professional standards and binding nature of its player contracts to ensure the continued success of the PSL brand.
