IPL 2026 Update: Rajasthan Royals Confirm Replacement
The latest reports confirm that Sri Lankan captain and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been selected to replace the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, marking a significant shift in PSL rosters as well-known players leave their home league due to injury concerns.
Key Points
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1Dasun Shanaka has replaced injured England all-rounder Sam Curran as a key member of the Rajasthan Royals squad.
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2Shanaka will be joining his new franchise for IPL 2026, having withdrawn from PSL and informed Lahore Qalandars of this decision. The Sri Lankan captain is set to play in Guwahati against Chennai Super Kings during RR's first phase match.
Developments
Perspectives
Dasun Shanaka has replaced the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals (RR) and informed his PSL team, Lahore Qalandars, that he will not be playing in Pakistan Super League 12.
— [Mar 24, 00:00] Island.lkIPL 2026 is a blow to the Pakistaan Supar Leag as Dasun Shanaka has replaced injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals' IPL squad after ditching PSL.
— [Mar 23, 11:57] Indiatoday.inDasusn Shanka withdraws from Pakistan Super League and Lahore Qalandars confirm replacement as he joins the Rajasthan Royals to replace injured Sam Curran in IPL squad for INR two crore.
— [Mar 24,01:39] GeoSuper (News.google.com)Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka is set to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement of the injury England all-rounder and RR have been forced into late squad change after Sam Curran was ruled out due groin injure.
— [Mar 24,10:37] Timesofindia.indiatimes.comIn yet another blow to Pakistan Super League as Dasun Shanaka set join Rajasthan Royals and replace injured England all-rounder in IPL squad for upcoming season after he ditched PSL.
— [Mar 24,10:37] DeccanchronicleDasun Shanaka has replaced injured Sam Curran in Rajasthan Royals' squad for IPL 2026 after opting out of his PSL contract with Lahore Qalandars. The move comes amid criticism from Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi regarding players leaving domestic leagues to join the Indian Premier League, while RR's new lineup includes Shanaka alongside seven other overseas athletes despite finishing last season in their own league competition (IPL).
Rajasthan Royals have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka for Rs 2 crore to replace injured Sam Curran in their IPL 2026 squad, marking another instance of PSL talent moving to the Indian league. This switch highlights a growing trend where players prioritize IPL opportunities over commitments elsewhere, raising concerns about declining quality and player retention within Pakistan's Premier League (PSL).
Dasun Shanaka has withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join India's Premier Leagues, specifically signing with Rajasthan Royals. He will replace Sam Curran in that franchise while Lahore Qalandars have confirmed Geo Super as his replacement for PSL 12; however, he is not joining them and instead chose IPL over continuing at a Pakistani club despite the PCB warning players of legal action if they leave without permission or pay their dues properly (as per reports).
Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka is set to join the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026 after being ruled out by Sam Curran due to a groin injury. The deal for his replacement from PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars was nearly finalized pending minor paperwork related to other commitments, marking another instance in recent years where players have switched between leagues following injuries or auction outcomes.