PCB vows action after Shanaka joins growing list of PSL opt-outs for IPL

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned that the board will take action against players who pull out of the Pakistan Super League at the last minute for IPL opportunities, after Dasun Shanaka became the latest to make the switch.

Shanaka, initially signed by Lahore Qalandars, has opted out of PSL 2026 to replace the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals. His withdrawal follows that of Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who left his PSL deal after Kolkata Knight Riders offered him an IPL contract.

Naqvi made it clear the PCB would respond firmly. Referring to Corbin Bosch’s late move from Peshawar Zalmi to Mumbai Indians last year, he said the same rules would apply again. Bosch was subsequently banned from the PSL for a year, and Naqvi indicated similar sanctions could follow this time.

The overlap between the PSL and IPL has now created a repeat of last year’s tension, with franchises vulnerable to losing overseas signings just before the tournament. Still, Naqvi insisted the scheduling clash itself was not the central issue, arguing that while some players head to India, the PSL continues to attract strong replacements. Lahore have already moved to fill Shanaka’s vacancy by bringing in Australia allrounder Daniel Sams.

Not all withdrawals have been linked to the IPL. Players such as Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman and Spencer Johnson have also pulled out of PSL 2026, though most cited personal reasons rather than competing league deals.

The controversy comes just days before the PSL begins on March 26, with the IPL starting two days later on March 28. The tournament will also be staged under unusual circumstances. Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that PSL 2026 will be played behind closed doors because of an oil crisis linked to the conflict in West Asia, and venues have been reduced from six cities to only Lahore and Karachi.

The board now faces the dual challenge of protecting its contracts and preserving the league’s credibility.