After the PSL 2026 match against Lahore Qalandars at the National Stadium in Karachi, Sri Lanka on Saturday, wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Mendis did not answer a question about the IPL. In the video shared on social media, a person, possibly the media manager of Peshawar Zalmi, is also heard asking the reporter to limit the questions to PSL 2026.Mendis, who plays for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2026, was asked by a reporter about his decision to quit the Pakistan Super League to join the IPL last year. The reporter asked if he had any “regrets” about joining Gujarat Titans during the season despite being a part of Quetta Gladiators. The question elicited a reaction from Mendis, but he did not respond.Mendis, who was signed by Peshawar Zalmi in February’s PSL player auction for PKR 4.2 million, was speaking after his side’s 76-run win over Lahore Qalandars in Karachi. The 31-year-old scored 74 off 48 balls and was named man of the match.“Last year you withdrew from the Pakistan Super League in the middle of the tournament to play for Gujarat Titans. And you showed some security concerns. And now the Pakistan Super League is giving you respect again and they (Gujarat Titans) didn’t pick you again. So you (don’t) regret withdrawing from the Pakistan Super League last year?” the reporter asked Mendis.Mendis did not reply. “It is a PSL question sir,” said the journalist when the media manager asked him to limit the question to Zalmi’s performance or the PSL.Both the IPL and PSL were halted last year due to the armed conflict between India and Pakistan following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.With several overseas players not returning for the remaining matches in both leagues, teams had to sign substitutes. In the IPL, franchises were allowed to sign temporary replacements for the remainder of the season, but these players could not be retained for the mini-auction in December and had to re-enter the player pool.Mendis joined Gujarat Titans as a replacement for Jose Buttler, who left for national service in May. The 2022 champions signed him for Rs 75 crore. It was his first IPL stint and he made his debut in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians where he scored 20 off 10 balls.
Vote
Do you think Kusal Mendis regrets leaving PSL for IPL?
Mendis later went unsold in the IPL mini auction held in Abu Dhabi in December.
