Kusal Mendis left stunned after bold question on ditching PSL for IPL 2025

Published - 12 Apr 2026, 13:16 IST | Updated - 12 Apr 2026, 13:56 IST

The debate between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) continues to dominate social media, and it again made its way into a press conference on Saturday, April 11, leading to an awkward moment involving Sri Lanka’s batter Kusal Mendis.

Mendis, who is representing Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing 2026 season, was asked a pointed question about his decision to leave the PSL midway and join IPL franchise Gujarat Titans in 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter had featured in eight matches for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025 before withdrawing from the tournament citing security concerns. He later travelled to India to join Gujarat Titans as a replacement player for Jos Buttler during the playoffs stage.

However, things didn’t go as planned for Mendis ahead of IPL 2026, as he was released by Gujarat and went unsold at the auction. He returned to the PSL this season and has been in impressive form, scoring 241 runs in just four matches for Peshawar Zalmi.

During the interaction, a reporter asked whether he regretted leaving the PSL last year for the IPL, especially after not being picked in the latest auction. The question created visible discomfort in the room, prompting the moderator to step in and request the reporter to stick to questions related to the ongoing PSL and Peshawar Zalmi’s campaign.

🚨 Journalist - "Last year you withdrew from the PSL to play IPL midway of the tournament. This year they didn't pick you. Don't you have any regrets for leaving PSL"? - Kusal Mendis remained silent.

Despite the reporter insisting that the query was relevant to the PSL, Mendis chose not to respond and remained silent until the next question was taken. With both leagues being played in overlapping windows, overseas players are often forced to choose between the two tournaments.

Historically, several overseas players have prioritised IPL opportunities, even if it meant leaving PSL contracts midway, something that has been witnessed on multiple occasions, including Mendis’ own case last season.

Before the ongoing season of IPL, Zimbabwe’s pacer Blessing Muzarabani withdrew from the PSL 2026 where he was going to represent Islamabad United, and joined Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.