The Pakistan Super League is increasingly struggling to retain overseas players as the financial and competitive strength of the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to dominate the T20 landscape. The trend has resurfaced with Sri Lankan T20I captain Dasun Shanaka opting to quit the PSL to join Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as an injury replacement.
According to a PTI report, Shanaka will join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran for the IPL 2026 season. Curran, who joined Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings, is expected to miss the entire campaign with a suspected groin injury.
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The Sri Lankan all-rounder went unsold in the IPL mini-auction last December before signing with PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars. His early change now underlines the growing trend of players opting for IPL stints even after committing to other leagues.
According to PTI, Shanaka’s signing is subject to the completion of formalities with the PSL and he is likely to join the Royals team in Guwahati soon. His arrival will help fill a crucial gap in the lineup, especially given Curran’s expected role as a left-arm batsman and middle-order batsman.
Under the leadership of Shanaka, Sri Lanka reached the Super Eight stage in the recent T20 World Cup. He scored 165 runs in the tournament, including a 31-ball 76 not out against Pakistan, while taking three wickets to underline his all-round credentials.
HOW PSL SPENDS PLAYERS FOR IPL
Shanak’s move adds to a pattern that has begun to worry stakeholders in Pakistan cricket. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has warned against overseas players leaving the PSL in the middle for IPL opportunities, warning that such a trend could seriously affect the future of the league. He believes that while the financial strength of the IPL is hard to compete with, repeated player exits risk reducing the quality and overall appeal of the PSL.
Next comes the Sri Lanka turnout Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani has moved to Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, further highlighting the widening gulf between the two leagues when it comes to attracting and retaining global talent.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 22, 2026 5:46 PM IST
