Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis found himself in an uncomfortable spot at a PSL 2026 press conference after a Pakistani journalist brought up his decision to abandon the tournament midway last season in favor of the Indian Premier League.
During the press conference, the reporter directly asked Mendis: “You left the PSL last year to play in the IPL midway through the tournament. This year, you weren’t selected. Do you regret leaving the PSL?” The pointed question visibly caught the Sri Lankan off guard, triggering an awkward silence in the press room.
The moderator quickly stepped in, reminding the reporter to keep questions focused on the PSL and the upcoming Peshawar Zalmi match. Despite the reporter pushing back and insisting the question was PSL-related, Mendis chose not to respond, staying silent until another journalist took the floor.
Mendis had originally represented Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025, featuring in eight matches before pulling out, citing security concerns. He subsequently traveled to India to replace an injured player in the Gujarat Titans’ squad for the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, the Gujarat Titans released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, and no franchise picked him up.
Having gone unsold in IPL 2026 Season, Mendis returned to Pakistani cricket this season, signing with Peshawar Zalmi, and has since been in outstanding form, racking up 241 runs in just four matches.
The PSL–IPL scheduling overlap regularly forces overseas players to make difficult choices between the two competitions. The IPL’s financial rewards and global profile make it the preferred destination for most, leaving the PSL vulnerable to mid-season exits whenever an IPL opportunity arises.
Mendis’s silence spoke volumes, a reminder that in cricket’s ever-growing franchise ecosystem, such choices rarely go unnoticed, especially on home turf.
