A big change is happening in cricket this March 2026, as several international players are leaving the Pakistan Super League just before it begins to join the Indian Premier League. Because of the T20 World Cup in February, both leagues are now overlapping, forcing players to choose one.
The IPL, which starts on March 28, offers higher salaries, global exposure, and a bigger platform, so many players are joining IPL teams as replacement players. This growing trend is becoming a major concern for the Pakistan Cricket Board, as it struggles to keep overseas stars committed to the PSL.
Players Moving From PSL to IPL 2026
Several big names have already made the jump. Here are the most notable players who left their PSL teams for an IPL contract:
- Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka): The Sri Lankan captain was with Lahore Qalandars but left to join Rajasthan Royals (RR). He is replacing the injured Sam Curran in a deal worth INR 2 Crore, nearly eight times his PSL salary.
- Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe): After a great T20 World Cup, Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United. However, he withdrew to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
- Spencer Johnson (Australia): The fast bowler left Quetta Gladiators citing personal reasons, but it was soon confirmed that he is joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to replace Nathan Ellis for INR 1.5 Crore.
- Gudakesh Motie (West Indies): The spinner was set to play for Lahore Qalandars but has reportedly withdrawn. He is rumored to be joining Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a replacement player.
Why Are Players Choosing the IPL?
It isn’t just about the cricket; there are a few simple reasons why the IPL is the preferred choice for these athletes:
- Much Higher Pay: The IPL offers significantly more money. In some cases, a player can earn in one week of the IPL what they would earn in an entire month in the PSL.
- Better Career Growth: Playing in the IPL puts players in front of the biggest scouts and sponsors in the world. Success here often leads to even bigger contracts in the future.
- Massive Crowds: With the IPL returning to its full home-and-away format with massive stadium crowds, players are drawn to the electric atmosphere and global fame that comes with it.
The PCB’s Warning
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not happy about players leaving at the last minute. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned that players who break their contracts could face bans.
This follows the case of Corbin Bosch in 2025, who was banned from the PSL for a year after leaving his team to join the Mumbai Indians. The board is trying to protect the league’s reputation, but the financial “pull” of the IPL is making that difficult.
