Dasun Shanaka leaves PSL to join Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026

The Pakistan Super League is finding it harder to keep overseas talent as the Indian Premier League continues to lead the T20 landscape with its financial power and competitive edge. The latest example is Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Dasun Shanaka, who has left the PSL to join the Rajasthan Royals as an injury replacement.

PTI reports that Shanaka is set to replace Sam Curran, who was traded from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals but is likely to sit out the entire 2026 IPL season because of a suspected groin injury.

Shanaka, who went unsold during last December’s IPL mini-auction before signing with Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, now appears set to switch leagues, illustrating a growing trend of players prioritising IPL opportunities even after committing to other tournaments.

Shanaka is expected to join the Royals squad in Guwahati soon. His inclusion is set to fill a key role, particularly in Curran’s position as a left-arm pacer and middle-order batter.

Under his leadership, Sri Lanka made it to the Super Eight stage in the recent T20 World Cup. Shanaka contributed 165 runs during the tournament, including a blistering 31-ball 76* against Pakistan, and claimed three wickets, showing his all-round capabilities.

This move has reignited concerns about the PSL’s ability to retain top overseas talent. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has warned that repeated mid-season departures to the IPL could weaken the league’s competitiveness and overall appeal, despite the IPL’s financial supremacy.

Shanaka’s switch follows Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani joining Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, highlighting the growing gap between the two leagues in attracting and holding global cricket stars.