Just days before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) begins, a major controversy has shaken the tournament. Some international players have left their PSL teams midway to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the reaction from Pakistan has been strong.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that players who break their PSL contracts will face legal consequences. His statement comes after a few high-profile exits that have raised concerns about the league’s stability.
Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has already left Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s T20I captain and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is heading to Rajasthan Royals after parting ways with Lahore Qalandars.
Both the players were brought into IPL teams as replacements – Blessing Muzarabani stepped in after Mustafizur Rahman couldn’t participate due to a BCCI restriction, while Dasun Shanaka replaced injured Sam Curran. Interestingly, both the players recently performed well in the 2026 T20 World Cup, making them attractive picks.
Mohsin Naqvi explained that a few players have already left and the board is now moving forward with legal action as per its rules. He also pointed out that this isn’t the first time such a situation has occurred. Last year, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch left Peshawar Zalmi to join Mumbai Indians, after which he was banned from the PSL for a year.
The growing trend highlights a bigger issue, many top players prefer the IPL due to higher pay and global exposure. Despite this, the PCB decided to schedule the PSL at the same time as the IPL, accepting the risk of losing some players while also giving opportunities to others who may not get chances in the Indian league.
Mohsin Naqvi, however, dismissed concerns that the scheduling clash is hurting the PSL. According to him, while some players leave, the league is also attracting new and quality talent.
Apart from this controversy, the PCB also announced changes to this season’s setup. Matches will now be held only in Lahore and Karachi instead of six cities and the first few games will take place without spectators.
With tensions rising, the PSL is now heading into the season with both excitement and uncertainty.
