The Pakistan Cricket Board chose a different line of action for Dasun Shanaka after the Sri Lankan all-rounder backed out of a Pakistan Super League commitment to join an Indian Premier League franchise. On Monday, the PCB announced its decision following Shanaka’s switch from Lahore Qalandars to Rajasthan Royals, and the punishment handed to him was lighter than what another player received for a closely related breach.
Shanaka was sanctioned with a one-year ban after leaving the Lahore Qalandars setup to sign with Rajasthan Royals. The board’s action came despite the similarity to an earlier case involving Blessing Muzarabani, who had been given a two-year ban. Shanaka had been among the Lahore Qalandars’ picks at the inaugural auction in February, with the franchise paying PKR 7.5 million to secure his services. However, just ahead of the season opener against Hyderabad Kingsmen, he withdrew from the PSL and subsequently joined Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Sam Curran.
After conducting its review, the PCB ruled that Shanaka would be barred from participating in the PSL for the next year, making him unavailable for the competition in the following season. The board said the all-rounder had violated contractual terms, and that regulatory enforcement was required to protect the league’s structure and its exclusivity.
In its explanation, the PCB said the reason for Shanaka’s withdrawal did not fit within the terms already laid out in the existing contractual arrangement. “The findings indicated that the withdrawal was made on grounds not recognised within the existing contractual framework,” the PCB said. It added that while it had taken note of the player’s regret and his comments during the formal hearing about his desire to play in Pakistan, the seriousness of the contractual breach still demanded action to preserve the integrity of the tournament.
The decision was framed as a step down from the punishment served to Muzarabani. The Zimbabwe fast bowler had been linked to Islamabad United, but he pulled out to join Kolkata Knight Riders, which led the PCB to impose a two-year ban. Muzarabani’s side, however, maintained that there was no signed agreement, arguing the arrangement had been only verbal. They also pointed out that KKR moved quickly to complete the move while they were waiting for official paperwork to be finalised.
Shanaka later issued an apology for his actions. He said he had no intention of playing in the IPL when he withdrew from the PSL, and expressed remorse to Pakistan’s cricket public. “I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of PSL, and the wider cricket community,” he said. “The 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.”
Continuing, Shanaka added that at the time of his PSL withdrawal he had not planned to commit to another competition, and he reiterated his respect for Pakistani supporters. “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 PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.”
For now, Shanaka is yet to make an appearance for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing season.
