 "'PSL credibility hurt big time': Pakistani fans left frustrated as Dasun Shanaka becomes latest to leave for IPL")
In another blow for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has left the tournament in favour of a deal in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Sri Lankan captain was signed by Lahore Qalandars for the PSL but the franchise will have to look for a replacement now.
The Sri Lankan T20I captain is reportedly close to accepting a deal with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran. The 34-year-old had a fantastic outing at the recent T20 World Cup where he scored 165 runs at a strike rate of 187.5. His 76 not out off just 31 balls in Sri Lanka’s Super 8 clash against Pakistan was rated among the best knocks of the tournament.
Snubbed at the IPL auction, Shanaka was sold at PKR 75 lakhs to the Qalandars in the PSL. However, he has left the deal in order to join IPL in a deal which is expected to be far more lucrative.
PSL’s talent exodus continues
Shanaka is not the first player this season to have left PSL for an IPL deal. Earlier, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani had left Islamabad United in Pakistan to join IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders. A PTI report stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board had told its legal team to file a case against the Zimbabwean.
There are others in the fray too who have already left PSL with speculations over them joining IPL. Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson, West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie, South Africa pacer Ottneil Baartman have withdrawn from the tournament in Pakistan. All three of them are being linked to IPL franchises who are seeking replacements for injured players.
Last year too South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch had joined Mumbai Indians after being signed in the PSL.
Pakistani fans voiced their displeasure over the proceedings and said that the constant exodus of talent was hurting the credibility of the league. Some also wanted to shift the tournament’s dates so that it does not clash with the IPL which is among the most valuable sporting leagues in the world.
Quick Reads
View AllAnother one departs. This is hurting PSL's credibility big time
— Ramzy 🇵🇰🇬🇧 (@Ramz_004) March 21, 2026
Psl has turned into a disaster honestly
— Siyar Zaib (@SiyarZaib9998) March 21, 2026
Shanaka leaves PSL shocker! Big gain for RR, massive blow for Pakistan’s league credibility.
— CricTalks (@TheCricTalk_) March 22, 2026
I was told Dasun Shanaka pulling out of PSL after signing to chase IPL.. Hey @dasunshanaka1 That’s straight-up wrong.. Once you commit to a league & take the money, you honor it, not ditch for a bigger payday. Loyalty matters, Dasun. This hurts PSL & and its fans who believed in… pic.twitter.com/CZtY1KCn0X
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) March 22, 2026
IPL and PSL clash once again this year. PSL begins March 26 while the IPL starts two days later. The final of the PSL takes place on May 3 while the IPL carries on for four more weeks till May 31.
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