Sri Lanka’s T20 captain Dasun Shanaka has decided to skip the Pakistan Super League Season 11 and instead play in the Indian Premier League 2026. Reports said Shanaka informed his PSL franchise, Lahore Qalandars, about his decision, and transfer arrangements are now being finalized. His move comes despite being picked in the PSL draft for 7.5 million Pakistani rupees.
Shanaka becomes the second player to leave the PSL for the IPL this season. Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani had earlier made a similar switch after initially joining Islamabad United as a replacement player. He was later signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, highlighting a growing trend of players prioritizing the Indian league over others.
Meanwhile, PSL Season 11 preparations are moving forward as scheduled. Foreign players have started arriving in Lahore, and teams are finalizing their squads. Karachi Kings signed South African batter Reeza Hendricks as a replacement for Johnson Charles, while young under-19 talent Haroon Arshad also joined the squad after impressive domestic performances.
The upcoming season will feature eight teams for the first time, including new franchises from Hyderabad and Rawalpindi. The tournament will begin with Lahore Qalandars facing Hyderabad, while Karachi Kings will open their campaign against Quetta Gladiators. Matches will be held in Karachi and Lahore without spectators due to current conditions, as Shanaka’s decision to choose the IPL over the PSL adds another major talking point ahead of the season.