Legal Action Threatened for PSL Withdrawals, Strong Warning from Naqvi

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned that legal action will be taken against players who pull out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last minute to join the IPL. With the two leagues clashing for the second consecutive year, the board has taken a firm stance on the issue.

Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka is the latest player to follow this route. He withdrew from the Lahore Qalandars squad to join Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, where he will replace the injured Sam Curran.

Australia allrounder Daniel Sams has been brought into Lahore Qalandars as Shanaka’s replacement. Earlier, Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani also pulled out of the PSL after securing an IPL deal with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Speaking on Sunday, Naqvi said that action would be taken against such players according to the rules. He noted that a similar case occurred last year, and the same procedure will be applied this time as well.

Last season, Corbin Bosch was a diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi. However, he made a last-minute switch to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and was subsequently banned from the PSL for one year.

Naqvi said that the IPL scheduling clash is not a major issue. According to him, while some players leave, excellent quality players are also coming to the PSL, which helps maintain the competitiveness of the league.

He added that there was no other available window during the year to postpone the PSL. Therefore, the tournament must continue as per the original schedule.

Meanwhile, several other players have also withdrawn from the PSL citing personal reasons. These include Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson.

The PSL is set to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL starts. However, due to the oil crisis caused by the West Asia conflict, the entire tournament will be played behind closed doors. Additionally, the number of venues has been reduced, with matches now limited to Lahore and Karachi.