Sri Lanka all-rounder Pathum Nissanka has been banned from PSL 2027 for one year after withdrawing from his contract.
A statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed the ruling followed a thorough examination of the incident. According to the board’s official announcement, Nissanka’s unilateral withdrawal was deemed a direct violation of the Player Registration regulations as well as the Tripartite Agreement. As a consequence, he will not be permitted to compete in the upcoming PSL tournament scheduled for 2027. The board emphasized that such actions undermine the integrity of the league’s contractual obligations.
The decision on Nissanka follows another recent suspension involving Zimbabwe pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who was handed a two-season ban from the PSL. Muzarabani had chosen to exit his agreement with Islamabad United in order to join Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. This remains the strictest penalty the PCB has ever imposed for a player’s withdrawal from the league. Muzarabani’s representative later described the punishment as unduly severe.
Nissanka received a less severe penalty after submitting a formal apology. In his statement provided by the PCB, he expressed deep remorse for his decision to step away from the PSL. The apology read in part: 'I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of PSL, and the wider cricket community.' He acknowledged the prestige of the tournament and expressed understanding of the disappointment caused by his actions.
Nissanka specifically addressed the loyal supporters of Lahore Qalandars, saying: 'To the loyal fans of Lahore Qalandars, I am truly sorry for letting you down.' He clarified that at the time of his withdrawal, he had no plans to join any alternative competition. He reiterated his respect for Pakistani fans and his positive experiences in Pakistan, expressing hope to return to the PSL in the future with renewed commitment and fan confidence.
Nissanka parted ways with Lahore Qalandars, who had acquired him at the auction for roughly USD 27,000 ahead of the season. He left to join Rajasthan Royals as an injury replacement for Sam Curran, with an estimated salary of around USD 214,000. This move represented his comeback to the IPL after a three-year absence, though he has yet to feature in a match. Nissanka is now the third player banned from PSL participation alongside Muzarabani and South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch, who was suspended from the current season after switching to the IPL last year.