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Dasun Shanaka is set to play for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 despite being bought by Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 auction.
According to Cricinfo, the all-rounder has informed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 franchise Lahore Qalandars about the decision with the formalities of the move being completed.
Shanaka was bought by Qalandars for PKR 75 lakh in the auction held earlier this year.
Sri Lanka’s T20I captain will become the second player, after Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, to leave PSL and play in the IPL.
Muzarabani went unsold in the PSL 11 auction but was later picked by Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph.
However, after an impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Earlier today, it was announced that PSL 11 will be held behind closed doors and at fewer venues.
Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.
“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.
“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”
Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.
“The opening ceremony of the league has been cancelled,” he said, adding, “The tournament will begin directly with the match.”
For those unaware, defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.
READ: PSL 11: Karachi Kings announce Johnson Charles replacement
