Qalandars name replacement after Rajasthan Royals rope in Dasun Shanaka

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has withdrawn from the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, where he was due to play for Lahore Qalandars. Qalandars signed Shanaka during the PSL auction for PKR 7.5 million.

Shanka bags an IPL deal

The reason behind his withdrawal is his signing by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals. Shanaka, who went unsold initially during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, where he had registered for INR 7.5 million, will join the franchise as Tom Curran’s replacement.

Shanaka joins an increasing list of players who have withdrawn from the league for one reason or another. With the IPL and PSL running simultaneously this year, several of them have pulled out to feature in the former.

Daniel Sams as a finisher for Qalandars

In his place, Qalandars have signed Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams. Sams was part of Peshawar Zalmi last edition and had also previously represented Karachi Kings in the PSL.

Playing for Sydney Thunder in the recent Big Bash League (BBL) season, Sams was his side’s highest wicket-taker, having taken 12 wickets across 10 games. But a pace-heavy Lahore side would prize his finishing skills with the bat more.

Updated Lahore Qalandars squad for PSL 11

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan and Shahab Khan.

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