Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema [email protected]
TO describe Blessing Muzarabani’s stint in the Indian Premier League as disappointing would hardly capture the full picture of a difficult campaign for the Zimbabwean fast bowler.
The world’s premier T20 competition has now reached its decisive stage, with only four teams remaining in the race for the title.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were set to face Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier late yesterday, with the winner booking a direct place in Sunday’s final.
The losing side will get another chance, taking on the winner of today’s eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
That match will determine the second finalist for the 2026 Indian Premier League title.
As for Muzarabani and his Kolkata Knight Riders, their campaign ended prematurely after the franchise failed to reach the play-offs, finishing seventh with six wins and seven losses from their 14 matches.
Muzarabani featured in just two of those matches, taking four wickets — a modest return compared to his impressive showing at the ICC T20 World Cup.
At that tournament, the Zimbabwe seamer played in all of the Chevrons’ matches, claiming a total of 13 wickets and emerging as one of the team’s standout performers.
In the IPL, however, Muzarabani spent most of his time on the sidelines, watching from the dugout as competition for places limited his opportunities.
This came at a time when he was also facing criticism from the Pakistan Super League for opting to join the IPL instead of honouring his commitment there.
He has since been handed a two-year ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The sanction followed his withdrawal from a deal with PSL franchise Islamabad United in favour of joining Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Despite the limited game time, Muzarabani has enjoyed strong backing, particularly from the national team setup.
A similar experience has been shared by fellow Zimbabwe internationals Ryan Burl and Brian Bennett, who also struggled for regular selection at their PSL sides, Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi respectively.
Zimbabwe Chevrons head coach Justin Sammons has declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the PSL ban but confirmed he has stayed in touch with Muzarabani to offer support.
“I don’t really have any comments on the tiff between the PSL and IPL. I don’t know the contract stories, so it’s difficult for me to comment if I don’t know the details around it,” he said.
On Muzarabani’s limited appearances, Sammons insisted the experience of being in such top leagues still holds immense value.
“it is obviously great when we get as many as four players getting signed and caller up for these leagues and competitions. It is a great experience, great exposure to different coaches and the best players in the world. I have no concerns that they didn’t play much as the exposure and experience is just as good
“These are top leagues and there’s only a certain amount of overseas that can play, so it’s sort of expected. As long as they keep working on their game while they are over there and pick the brains off different people, then I think it’s good. Blessing (Muzarabani) will be back soon and we have had little chats, here and there. He is good,” said Sammons.
Bennett and Burl have already returned home, while Muzarabani is expected to rejoin the squad when the Chevrons regroup ahead of next month’s series against Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are scheduled to face off in a one-off Test, followed by three One Day Internationals and three T20 matches between June 28 and July 19.
The Test and ODI matches will be played at Harare Sports Club, while the T20 fixtures will be staged at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Sammons has given his extended squad a short break, with players due to regroup on June 1 as preparations intensify.
He also provided an update on national team captain Richard Ngarava, who has been managing a back injury since the T20 World Cup.
“Richie (Ngarava) is obviously still recovering from his back injury and taking it day by day. He is slowly starting to bowl again and build up in terms of his workload. However, it will be a process and we will see how that goes as we head closer to the Test match,” said Sammons.
Ngarava remains a key figure for the Chevrons as both a leading bowler and captain in the Test and ODI formats. However, team management is taking a cautious approach to his recovery to avoid setbacks.
“Like I said, it’s going to be very much a day-by-day process with him to see how much he can be pushed. Other than that, everybody’s really good and healthy, so I’m excited to have most of them back soon so we can resume our preparations,” said Sammons.
