Dasun Shanaka of Sri Lanka speaks on the post-match in the course of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 Tremendous Eights match towards Pakistan at Pallekele Cricket Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. — ICC
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka from participation within the subsequent version of the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL), citing contractual violations.
Shanaka was signed by defending champions Lahore Qalandars for Rs7.5 million within the accelerated spherical of the inaugural gamers public sale, held in February this 12 months.
However simply three days earlier than the graduation of the continuing PSL 11, the franchise confirmed that the Sri Lankan all-rounder has withdrawn as a result of private causes and was changed by Australia’s Daniel Sams within the squad.
In a press release, the PCB stated it performed a complete evaluation of latest contractual developments involving Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars, after the participant withdrew from the match on March 21, 2026.
The board concluded that the unilateral withdrawal amounted to a transparent breach of the participant registration phrases and the tripartite settlement. It additional famous that the explanations cited for the withdrawal weren’t lined underneath the present contractual framework.
Whereas acknowledging Shanaka’s expressions of remorse and his acknowledged want to proceed taking part in in Pakistan, the PCB stated the character of the breach required regulatory motion to safeguard the integrity and exclusivity of the league.
Consequently, the PCB confirmed that Shanaka has been barred from collaborating in PSL 12, efficient instantly.
In the meantime, in a press release launched by the PCB, the Sri Lankan all-rounder issued an apology to Pakistani followers and the broader cricket group.
“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,” Shanaka was quoted as saying by the PCB.
“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.”
He additional clarified that he had no intention of becoming a member of another franchise league on the time of his withdrawal from the PSL, urging that he has nice respect for Pakistani followers and expressing his hope to make his return to the marquee league quickly.
“I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the 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.”
