Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned players against pulling out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last moment to join the Indian Premier League (IPL). He said the board will take legal action against such players, especially as both leagues are scheduled at the same time for the second consecutive year.
“We will take action against those players according to the rules,” Naqvi said on Sunday. “There was a case last year too [Corbin Bosch, who was banned from the PSL for one year], and the same thing will happen this time."
Shanaka Latest to Switch to IPL
Dasun Shanaka has become the latest player to leave the PSL. He withdrew from Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran.
To fill the gap, Lahore Qalandars signed Daniel Sams as Shanaka’s replacement. Earlier, Blessing Muzarabani also pulled out of the PSL after securing a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Previous Case Sets Example
Naqvi referred to last year’s case involving Corbin Bosch. Bosch was picked by Peshawar Zalmi but left to play for Mumbai Indians. The PCB later banned him from the PSL for one year.
PCB Defends PSL Schedule
Naqvi said the clash with the IPL is unavoidable. He explained that the PSL does not have another available window in the calendar.
“Clashing with the IPL is not an issue because if players are going there, we're getting excellent players coming here as well. We could not afford to postpone the PSL because we have no other window all year.”
Multiple Players Withdraw for Various Reasons
Apart from IPL-related exits, several players have withdrawn from the PSL citing personal reasons. These include Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson.
PSL to Begin Under Restrictions
The PSL is scheduled to start on March 26, just two days before the IPL begins. However, the tournament will take place behind closed doors due to an oil crisis linked to the West Asia conflict.
The number of venues has also been reduced. Matches will now be held only in Lahore and Karachi instead of the originally planned six cities.