In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has decided to skip the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and link up with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). According to reports, the move comes as a late replacement signing, with Shanaka set to fill the void left by England’s Sam Curran, who is reportedly sidelined due to injury.
Dasun Shanaka replaces injured Sam Curran in RR squad
The Royals have turned to Shanaka as a backup after concerns emerged over Curran’s fitness. The England all-rounder, who was traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the season, is believed to be nursing a groin injury that has ruled him out of IPL 2026.
Shanaka, who went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction, had initially committed to the PSL, where Lahore Qalandars secured his services for PKR 75 lakh. However, the opportunity to play in the IPL—widely regarded as the premier T20 league—has prompted the 34-year-old to make a late switch.
For Rajasthan Royals, Shanaka’s inclusion adds depth to their middle order and provides a reliable seam-bowling option, strengthening the balance of the squad.
Growing trend of players prioritising IPL over PSL
Shanaka’s decision marks yet another instance of players choosing the IPL over the PSL. Earlier this season, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani opted to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, skipping his PSL stint with Islamabad United.
This trend is not entirely new. Last year, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch made headlines after moving from Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL to Mumbai Indians in the IPL. His decision led to a one-year ban from the PSL, highlighting the growing tension between the two leagues.
Despite the PSL scheduling its window alongside the IPL to retain overseas talent, the strategy has not yielded the desired results. The IPL’s global appeal, financial incentives, and competitive platform continue to attract players, often at the expense of other leagues.
PCB considers strict action amid contract breaches
The repeated withdrawals have not gone unnoticed. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently addressed the issue, indicating that the board could take strict or even legal action against players who fail to honor their PSL contracts.
Speaking in Lahore on Sunday, March 22, Naqvi emphasized the need to protect the league’s integrity and ensure that contractual obligations are respected. The PCB is reportedly exploring measures to prevent further last-minute exits by overseas players.
