Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board has threatened to pursue legal action against players who withdrew from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join other franchise tournaments, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Naqvi said the board had taken serious notice of players leaving the PSL after securing opportunities in the IPL, the world’s richest franchise cricket league, adding that legal proceedings were being initiated against those who pulled out.
The comments came after Sri Lanka T20 captain Dasun Shanaka joined Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for England all-rounder Sam Curran, who was ruled out through injury.
Shanaka had gone unsold in the IPL auction before later signing with PSL side Lahore Qalandars.
Shanaka became the second overseas player to leave the PSL for an IPL replacement contract this season.
Earlier, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani joined Kolkata Knight Riders, replacing Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman after he was withdrawn from the IPL.
Muzarabani had been contracted by Islamabad United for the PSL.
The latest withdrawals have reignited concerns over the scheduling overlap between the PSL and IPL, which are being held in the same window for a second successive year, leaving the PCB vulnerable to losing overseas recruits to late IPL opportunities.
Naqvi, however, sought to downplay the wider impact on the PSL, saying the departure of a handful of players would not undermine the tournament and that new and emerging talent would continue to strengthen the league.
The PCB has not yet publicly outlined the legal basis for its proposed action, but the board took a similar hard line last year when it banned South African pacer Corbin Bosch after he pulled out of the PSL to join Mumbai Indians in the IPL.