Blessing Muzarabani to KKR, Dasun Shanaka to Rajasthan Royals, and potentially more to follow. The Pakistan Super League faces a deepening talent drain as players continue to abandon their PSL contracts for lucrative IPL replacement deals.
With the two leagues overlapping for the second consecutive season, the PCB watches helplessly as its contracted stars choose richer paydays in India. The trend threatens to undermine the credibility of Pakistan’s flagship T20 competition at a time when the tournament already battles security concerns, closed-door matches, and a reduced venue list.
Which Players Have Left PSL for IPL So Far
The trend started with South Africa’s Corbin Bosch in IPL 2025. Peshawar Zalmi signed him in the Diamond category for around $85,000. He later pulled out and joined Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Lizaad Williams. The PCB issued a legal notice and eventually handed Bosch a one-year PSL ban along with a fine.
In IPL 2026, two more players have already made the switch. Blessing Muzarabani left Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders as Mustafizur Rahman’s replacement. Dasun Shanaka is set to leave Lahore Qalandars and join Rajasthan Royals after Sam Curran’s season-ending groin injury.
- Corbin Bosch: Peshawar Zalmi to Mumbai Indians (IPL 2025)
- Blessing Muzarabani: Islamabad United to Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2026)
- Dasun Shanaka: Lahore Qalandars to Rajasthan Royals (IPL 2026)
Could More Players Follow the Same Path
The exodus may not stop here. West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie has already withdrawn from Lahore Qalandars. Reports link him with a possible move to Lucknow Super Giants. Australian quick Spencer Johnson also looks set to leave Quetta Gladiators. Rumours suggest Chennai Super Kings could sign him as Nathan Ellis’s replacement. Neither move has received official confirmation yet.
The IPL’s financial power continues to pull players away from rival leagues whenever schedules clash. Until the PCB finds a permanent solution to avoid overlapping windows, this talent drain will likely continue hurting the PSL’s ability to attract and retain top international stars.
Why Are PSL and IPL Clashing Again in 2026
The scheduling conflict stems from a packed international calendar. In 2025, the PSL shifted to March and April because Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy in February. That pushed it directly into IPL territory. This year, the T20 World Cup in February and March forced the PSL into another overlapping window.
Traditionally, the PSL runs from January to March and wraps up before the IPL begins. However, back-to-back calendar disruptions have created a recurring problem for the PCB.
