Is Dasun Shanaka also going to give a blow to Pakistan Super League? Deal seems to be being made with Rajasthan Royals

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 23, 2026

Pakistan Super League 2026 seems to be in trouble even before it starts. Many foreign players are staying away from this tournament starting from March 26 and now the name of Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka can also be added to this list.

According to media reports, instead of playing in PSL, Shanaka is preparing to join Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. Actually, the Rajasthan team is worried about the fitness of England all-rounder Sam Curran, who may have to be out of the entire season due to groin injury. In such a situation, the team is considering including Shanaka as a backup.

Shanaka remained unsold in the mini auction of IPL 2026, but now he may get a big chance. Earlier he was supposed to play for Lahore Qalandars in PSL, where he was bought for 75 lakh Pakistani rupees. However, now that he is getting a chance to play in IPL, he may change his decision.

Let us tell you that earlier this season, Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani had also decided to leave PSL and join Kolkata Knight Riders, where he joined the team as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. Well, this is not a new thing. Last year too, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch left PSL team Peshawar Zalmi and joined Mumbai Indians in IPL.

Shanaka’s inclusion in the team will give strength to Rajasthan Royals in the middle order, and he can also prove to be a good option in bowling. He also performed brilliantly in the recently played T20 World Cup 2026, where apart from scoring 165 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 187.50, he also took some important wickets.

Now it will be interesting to see whether Dasun Shanaka really moves away from PSL and joins Rajasthan Royals or it proves to be just speculation. Rajasthan Royals are going to start their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati, so the team can soon present a clear picture on this matter.