Contractual breach
\nPCB finds clear breach of player registration terms and tripartite agreement rules
\n Lahore
\nThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka\u2019s Dasun Shanaka from participation in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), citing contractual violations.
\nShanaka was signed by defending champions Lahore Qalandars for Rs7.5 million in the accelerated round of the inaugural players auction, held in February this year.
\nBut just three days before the commencement of the ongoing PSL 11, the franchise confirmed that the Sri Lankan all-rounder has withdrawn due to personal reasons and was replaced by Australia\u2019s Daniel Sams in the squad.
\nIn a statement, the PCB said it conducted a comprehensive assessment of recent contractual developments involving Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars, after the player withdrew from the tournament on March 21, 2026.
\nThe board concluded that the unilateral withdrawal amounted to a clear breach of the player registration terms and the tripartite agreement. It further noted that the reasons cited for the withdrawal were not covered under the existing contractual framework.
\nWhile acknowledging Shanaka\u2019s expressions of regret and his stated desire to continue playing in Pakistan, the PCB said the nature of the breach required regulatory action to safeguard the integrity and exclusivity of the league.
\nAs a result, the PCB confirmed that Shanaka has been barred from participating in PSL 12, effective immediately.
\nMeanwhile, in a statement released by the PCB, the Sri Lankan all-rounder issued an apology to Pakistani fans and the wider cricket community.
\n\u201cI deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of HBL PSL, and the wider cricket community,\u201d Shanaka was quoted as saying by the PCB.
\n\u201cThe HBL 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.\u201d
\nHe further clarified that he had no intention of joining any other franchise league at the time of his withdrawal from the PSL, urging that he has great respect for Pakistani fans and expressing his hope to make his return to the marquee league soon.
\n\u201cI 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 HBL PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Contractual breach PCB finds clear breach of player registration terms and tripartite agreement rules Lahore The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka\u2019s Dasun Shanaka from participation in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), citing contractual violations. Shanaka was signed by defending champions Lahore Qalandars for Rs7.5 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":543006,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-542975","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n