PSL owner demands ban on Dasun Shanaka, Blessing Muzarabani after IPL switch

Rawalpindi Pindi franchise owner Ahsan Tahir has demanded a ban on Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani. The PSL franchise owner made his comments after international cricketers abandoned their Pakistan Super League (PSL) commitments to secure lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts.

These departures of overseas players have severely rattled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and franchises ahead of the season. Notably, the PSL and the IPL share overlapping schedules this year. The Pakistani domestic competition is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 26, while the IPL starts on March 28.

PSL Franchise Owner Ahsan Tahir Demands Ban on Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani

Dasun Shanaka recently quit Lahore Qalandars to replace Sam Curran at the Rajasthan Royals. Earlier, Blessing Muzarabani left his PSL contract to join the Kolkata Knight Riders.

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Speaking on the Relukattay Show, Ahsan Tahir criticized overseas players for leaving to join IPL teams, stating that the Pakistan Cricket Board must protect national pride.

“It should be banned, absolutely banned, and strict legal action must be taken because in the end, you are dealing with the economy. Not only are you taking a financial hit as a league, but you are also breaking the hearts of millions of fans."

“National pride ka tou mazak hai hee nahi, tou bilkul strict action lena chahiye” @thepindiz Team Owner, @M_Ahsan_Tahir bats for taking action against players who abandon PSL contracts to play elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/veF61Ku28G

— The Relukattay Show (@relukattay) March 22, 2026

"You cannot put a price on that kind of disappointment. This is also about national pride, and there can be no compromise on that. We are not investing in a single team, we are investing in the country, so national pride should never be taken lightly. Strict action must be taken.”

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Promises Action Against Departing Foreign Players

Ahsan Tahir further said that Pakistani franchise owners spend massive amounts of time and money curating settled squads. These sudden last-minute withdrawals severely damage team dynamics and disappoint passionate cricket supporters.

Fortunately for the frustrated franchise owners, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has promised to take strict action. During a recent press conference, Mohsin Naqvi assured stakeholders that the PCB will strictly enforce existing contractual rules.

Naqvi referenced Corbin Bosch, who faced a severe ban last year after abandoning his PSL contract to accept a lucrative deal with the Mumbai Indians.

Pakistan Super League 2026 to Be Held Behind Closed Doors; Mohsin Naqvi Confirms

Beyond the ongoing overseas player exodus, the Pakistan Cricket Board faces major logistical challenges. Mohsin Naqvi has officially announced that the Pakistan Super League will be held behind closed doors.

This decision comes due to a severe national fuel crisis linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

To conserve fuel, organizers have cancelled the PSL opening ceremony. Additionally, matches will be limited to two venues - Karachi and Lahore - as the PCB decided to proceed with the tournament despite considering a postponement.

While Mohsin Naqvi briefly considered postponing the league, the PCB ultimately decided against it due to the absence of a suitable window in the packed international cricket calendar.

Also read: "I don't like" - Axar Patel attacks BCCI over 'Impact Player' rule in IPL