PCB Chairman Warns of Strict Action Against Players Choosing IPL Over PSL

Lahore. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned of strict legal action against players who opt out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last minute to choose the Indian Premier League (IPL). This situation has arisen because the schedules of these two major leagues are clashing for the second consecutive year, leading foreign players to prioritize the IPL over the PSL.

This controversy escalated after Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka abruptly left the Lahore Qalandars squad to join the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. He traveled to India to replace the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan. Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams has now joined the Lahore squad in place of Shanaka. Earlier, Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani had also withdrawn from the PSL after signing a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.

PCB Chairman Naqvi stated that such players will be dealt with according to the rules. Last year, Peshawar Zalmi's Corbin Bosch was banned from the PSL for one year after choosing the Mumbai Indians at the last moment.

"The clash of schedules with the IPL is not an issue because even if some players go there, excellent players are coming here," Naqvi said. "We could not postpone the PSL because there is no other window available throughout the year."

Players like Gudakesh Motie, Jack Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson have also withdrawn their names previously citing personal reasons.

This year's PSL is set to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL starts. Considering the oil crisis created by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, it has been decided that this year's PSL matches will be played inside stadiums without spectators.

Furthermore, Chairman Naqvi informed that the venues have been reduced from the previously planned six cities, and matches will now only be held in Lahore and Karachi.