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In another setback for the Pakistan Super League, Dasun Shanaka is set to leave the tournament and join Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. He will replace the injured Sam Curran in the Royals squad.
Shanaka was part of Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, and his exit leaves a gap in their setup. This is another case of a player moving from PSL to IPL this season, which has affected the league.
Another player leaves PSL
Earlier, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani had also pulled out of his PSL deal with Islamabad United. He joined Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
These back to back moves have come as a blow for PSL, with teams losing key players just before or during the tournament.
Dasun Shanaka adds balance to Royals
Shanaka is a handy all rounder and also the captain of Sri Lanka. He can contribute with both bat and ball. He had gone unsold in the IPL auction but later joined PSL side Lahore Qalandars.
In the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka did not go far, but Shanaka had a decent run. He scored 165 runs including a quick 76 not out against Pakistan and also picked up three wickets.
Rajasthan Royals will open their campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. Curran, who Shanaka replaces, had played for Chennai Super Kings earlier before moving to Rajasthan.
Injuries already hurting IPL
IPL 2026 is already dealing with several injury issues. Big players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are set to miss the early part of the season. Nathan Ellis is expected to miss the whole tournament.
This does affect the excitement a bit, but with replacements coming in, teams will still look to adjust and move forward.
Also READ: Jake Fraser-McGurk withdraws from PSL 2026; Rawalpindi Pindiz eye replacement
