Sri Lankan captain says bye to PSL, will play with this team in IPL
Sri Lankan T20 team captain Dasun Shanaka has withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Rajasthan Royals as an injury replacement.
Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka's T20 team, has withdrawn his name from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the upcoming 2026 season. This decision comes as he looks forward to taking part in the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shanaka has had discussions with the IPL team Rajasthan Royals, who are seeking to include him as a replacement for Sam Curran, who is sidelined due to a groin injury. Previously, in IPL 2023, Shanaka was part of the Gujarat Titans but only managed to score 26 runs across three matches. For the IPL 2026 mini auction, Shanaka set his base price at 7.5 million INR but unfortunately did not attract any buyers. His move to withdraw from the PSL marks a significant step in his career, aiming to capitalize on the opportunity with the Rajasthan Royals. This shift coincides with a trend of players pulling out from the PSL's 11th season, raising concerns regarding the tournament's player participation and overall competition. The dynamics of international cricket continue to evolve as players navigate their commitments across various leagues, emphasizing the growing significance of the IPL in the cricketing landscape.