PCB Warns PSL Players After IPL Withdrawals Spark Action

PCB action against PSL players has been confirmed after multiple foreign cricketers withdrew from the Pakistan Super League to join IPL franchises ahead of the 2026 season.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has vowed to take legal action against players who pulled out of PSL 11 at the last moment, as the tournament clashes with the Indian Premier League for the second consecutive year.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the board’s stance following a series of high-profile withdrawals.

Shanaka, Muzarabani among key withdrawals

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka became the latest player to withdraw, opting out of his Lahore Qalandars contract to replace the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams has been named as Shanaka’s replacement for Lahore Qalandars.

Earlier, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani also exited the PSL after securing a deal with IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders.

Naqvi stated that the PCB would proceed with action under its regulations, referencing a similar situation from the previous season.

Previous cases and PCB stance

Mohsin Naqvi pointed to the case of South Africa’s Corbin Bosch, who was selected as a diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi in the previous PSL edition before switching to Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Bosch was subsequently handed a one-year ban from the PSL.

Naqvi dismissed suggestions that scheduling clashes with the IPL were the main issue, stating that while some players leave, others continue to join the PSL.

He also reiterated that postponing the tournament was not an option due to the lack of available windows in the calendar.

More withdrawals ahead of PSL 11

Several other players have also withdrawn from PSL 11, including Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman and Spencer Johnson, though most cited personal reasons.

PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL starts in India.

In a separate development, Naqvi confirmed that the tournament will be held behind closed doors due to an oil crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Additionally, the number of venues has been reduced from six to two, with matches set to take place in Lahore and Karachi.

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PSL 11 to Be Held in Karachi and Lahore Without Fans

Source: https://www.pcb.com.pk/