PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi warns of strict action as PSL faces player pullouts to the IPL, including Dasun Shanaka, amid schedule clashes and venue changes.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued a strong warning to players who pull out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join the Indian Premier League (IPL), as both tournaments overlap for the second consecutive year.
“We will take action against those players according to the rules,” Naqvi said on Sunday. There was a case last year too [Corbin Bosch, who was banned from the PSL for one year], and the same thing will happen this time.”
The PCB had previously taken disciplinary action in a similar situation when Corbin Bosch made a late switch after being picked by Peshawar Zalmi, opting instead to play for Mumbai Indians.
Shanaka, Muzarabani Among Players Opting for IPL
Sri Lankan allrounder Dasun Shanaka has become the latest player to leave the PSL, withdrawing from Lahore Qalandars to join the IPL. He will replace the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals.
In response, the Qalandars have signed Daniel Sams as Shanaka’s replacement.
Earlier, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani had also exited the PSL after securing a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite the exits, Naqvi downplayed concerns over the overlap between the two leagues.
“Clashing with the IPL is not an issue because if players are going there, we’re getting excellent players coming here as well. We could not afford to postpone the PSL because we have no other window all year.”
ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid Praises Sanju Samson For Outstanding T20 World Cup 2026
PSL 2026 Schedule, Withdrawals and Venue Changes
The PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL starts in India. However, the tournament will be conducted behind closed doors due to an oil crisis linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, as confirmed by Naqvi.
Additionally, the number of venues has been reduced, with matches now set to be played only in Lahore and Karachi instead of the originally planned six cities.
Apart from IPL-related exits, several players including Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson have also withdrawn from the tournament, citing personal reasons.
With multiple withdrawals, scheduling adjustments, and the ongoing tussle with the IPL, PSL 2026 is set to unfold under challenging and closely watched circumstances.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.