Lahore: Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning to overseas players withdrawing from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last minute to join the Indian Premier League (IPL), vowing strict action in line with existing rules.
The development comes as multiple international cricketers have recently opted out of PSL commitments to take up opportunities in the IPL, intensifying the clash between the two leagues for the second consecutive year.
Shanaka latest to switch leagues
Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka became the latest player to pull out of the PSL, leaving Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran.
Shanaka had previously featured in the IPL for Gujarat Titans during the 2023 season, playing three matches.
More withdrawals raise concerns
Shanaka is the second player in recent days to leave the PSL for the IPL. Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani withdrew from Islamabad United after being approached by Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
Several other players, including Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman and Spencer Johnson, have also withdrawn, though many cited personal reasons.
PCB cites past precedent
Naqvi made it clear that the board would not hesitate to enforce regulations against players breaching contracts.
“We will take action against those players according to the rules. There was a case last year too, and the same thing will happen this time,” he said.
He referred to Corbin Bosch, who was handed a one-year PSL ban after withdrawing from Peshawar Zalmi to join Mumbai Indians.
League clash continues
The scheduling overlap between the PSL and IPL has once again created a dilemma for international players, who often prioritise the IPL due to its higher financial rewards and global visibility.
Naqvi, however, dismissed concerns over the clash, stating that the PSL continues to attract quality talent despite the competition.
“Clashing with the IPL is not an issue because if players are going there, we’re getting excellent players coming here as well,” he said.
He also noted that rescheduling the PSL was not feasible due to a packed cricket calendar.
Season set to begin
The PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL kicks off, setting the stage for a direct overlap between the two major T20 leagues.
This overlap is expected to test team compositions, player availability, and the enforcement of contractual obligations across both tournaments.
Conclusion
Mohsin Naqvi’s strong stance signals the PCB’s intent to protect the integrity of the PSL amid growing competition from the IPL. As more players weigh their options between leagues, how strictly these rules are enforced could shape future participation trends.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)