The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed a one-year suspension from the Pakistan Super League to Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka, who was initially named in the PSL, later moved into the Indian Premier League setup, joining the Rajasthan Royals franchise. The PCB has also imposed a two-year PSL ban on Blessing Muzarabani for the same underlying issue, though Muzarabani’s representative Rob Humphries insists the fast bowler never signed any deal with a PSL team and that the sanction is therefore unfair and should be reconsidered.
In its statement on Monday, the PCB said it carried out a thorough review of the latest contractual situation involving Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars. The board’s position is that Shanaka’s decision to step away from the tournament on March 21 amounted to a direct violation of the player registration conditions as well as the tripartite agreement. The PCB added that the move was taken on grounds that do not match anything covered under the existing contractual structure.
Shanaka currently leads Sri Lanka in T20 cricket and captained the side at this year’s T20 World Cup. He was also confirmed in March as a replacement for the injured England all-rounder Sam Curran within the Rajasthan Royals squad ahead of IPL 2026, with Shanaka set to arrive at the franchise as part of the team’s adjustments for the upcoming season.
Rajasthan Royals announced that Shanaka will join them for INR 2 crore, replacing Curran. The release also noted Shanaka’s international record: he has played 6 Tests, 71 ODIs and 131 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka, accumulating more than 3,350 runs and taking 86 wickets in international cricket.
The 34-year-old Shanaka has previously featured in the IPL, making a single stint with Gujarat Titans in 2023 where he appeared in three matches. With the latest update, he is now expected to take on a prominent role again for Rajasthan as an impact presence in the finishing overs, while also offering all-round balance to the XI.
Rajasthan Royals head coach and team director Kumar Sangakkara said the franchise was aware of the timing challenge brought by Curran’s absence, adding that it was disappointing to lose a player of Sam’s stature so close to the start of the campaign. Sangakkara also highlighted the opportunity Shanaka brings, stating that Curran’s replacement adds value with both bat and ball, and that the team is satisfied to have secured an appropriate option in Shanaka—described as a finisher who can help preserve the side’s overall structure.
