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WEEKS after withdrawing his name from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in favour of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was yesterday handed a two-year ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The sanction bars Muzarabani from participating in the PSL for the next two seasons.
In a statement, the PCB made it clear that the Zimbabwe pacer had disregarded his contractual obligations despite having unequivocally accepted the essential terms to feature in the league.
“In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement,” the PCB said in a statement, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Muzarabani had accepted a deal with Islamabad United for the 2026 PSL season before later pulling out to sign with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 IPL campaign.
The right arm pacer was among the standout bowlers at the recently concluded T20 World Cup, finishing as joint third highest wicket taker with 13 scalps as Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Eights stage.
Muzarabani, who previously won a PSL title with Multan Sultans, initially went unpicked at the PSL auction held on February 11.
However, a deal was later struck with Islamabad United through a direct signing after the franchise released West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.
Kolkata Knight Riders subsequently signed Muzarabani as a replacement for Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL.
Earlier, KKR had released Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Rahman had been bought by KKR at the 2026 IPL auction for Rs 9.2 crore.
So far in the 2026 IPL season, Muzarabani has featured in two matches for KKR, picking up four wickets while conceding 75 runs at an economy rate of 10.71.
The 29 year old had initially gone unsold at both the IPL and PSL auctions before being signed as a replacement player by Islamabad United.
South Africa’s Corbin Bosch faced a one year ban last season after defecting under similar circumstances.
Subsequently, Muzarabani chose to abandon his deal with Islamabad United after being approached by Kolkata Knight Riders to take part in the IPL.
That signing followed KKR’s decision to terminate their contract with Mustafizur Rahman earlier.
Spencer Johnson and Dasun Shanaka are two other players who withdrew from their PSL commitments to play in the IPL this season. While not confirmed at this stage, they are likely to face similar sanctions.
“Professionalism in franchise based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game. Such conduct, if left unaddressed, erodes the reliability of dealings and the confidence that franchises, regulators, and stakeholders place in professional engagements. The two year ban reflects the gravity of the breach,” read a statement from the PSL. — Agencies
Online Reporter