Cricket
Naqvi: PCB to Take Action Against PSL Players Opting for IPL
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has vowed to enforce disciplinary measures against players who abandon the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last minute to join the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the two tournaments overlapping for a second consecutive year, tensions are rising over player commitments.
Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka is the latest to withdraw, leaving Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran. Qalandars have named Australia’s Daniel Sams as Shanaka’s replacement. Earlier, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani pulled out of the PSL after signing with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Naqvi made his stance clear:
“We will take action against those players according to the rules. There was a case last year too [Corbin Bosch, banned for one year], and the same thing will happen this time.”
Bosch, a diamond pick for Peshawar Zalmi, had switched late to Mumbai Indians in the IPL last season.
Despite the clash with the IPL, Naqvi insisted the PSL would not be rescheduled:
“Clashing with the IPL is not an issue because if players are going there, we’re getting excellent players coming here as well. We could not afford to postpone the PSL because we have no other window all year.”
Withdrawals and Scheduling Challenges
Several other players have also withdrawn from PSL 2026, including Gudakesh Motie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson, though most cited personal reasons.
The PSL is scheduled to begin on March 26, just two days before the IPL kicks off. Due to an ongoing oil crisis linked to the West Asia conflict, Naqvi confirmed the tournament will be played behind closed doors. Venues have also been reduced from six to two: Lahore and Karachi.
Cricket
Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident
Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.
The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.
Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.
Cricket
SunRisers Hyderabad Sri Lankan Trio Returns Home from IPL
Three Sri Lankan players representing Sunrisers Hyderabad — Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga — have left the Indian Premier League as the tournament approaches its final stages.
The trio returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday morning to complete visa formalities ahead of the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June, which will feature matches across all formats. According to reports, their brief return is solely to complete biometric requirements for the visa process.
Despite their absence, the players are expected to rejoin the squad in India shortly after completing the necessary procedures. With sufficient time before their next fixture, all three are likely to be available for selection.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are scheduled to play their next match on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women too strong for Bangladesh in second T20I
Sri Lanka Women produced a polished all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series with a game to spare.
After being put into bat, the visitors posted a competitive 154 for 4 in their 20 overs, built on key contributions from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The innings began cautiously, with Hasini Perera falling early, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a fluent 42 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.
The momentum shifted significantly during the latter half as Samarawickrama played an aggressive knock of 49 off just 29 deliveries, including two sixes. She found good support from Imeesha Dulani (27) and Nilakshika Silva, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly at a healthy run rate of 7.70. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Ritu Moni picking up one apiece.
Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start through Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 46 for the opening wicket. However, regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding dented their progress. Ferdous scored a brisk 29, while Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44, but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.
Sri Lanka’s discipline in the field proved decisive, effecting three crucial run-outs. Kavisha Dilhari was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 15 in her four overs, while Sugandika Kumari maintained excellent control, conceding just 14 runs.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 133 for 5, falling short despite a late push.
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