KKR Welcomes Zimbabwean Bowler Blessing Muzarabani for IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders have secured the services of Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for the IPL 2026 season. Known for his impressive T20 performance, Muzarabani has taken over 90 wickets in international matches and was a standout player in the recent T20 World Cup. He will join KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman and is expected to arrive in Kolkata soon. The team is gearing up for their first match against the Mumbai Indians on March 29. This addition aims to bolster KKR's bowling lineup as they strive for success in the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 14, 2026, 00:45 IST

KKR Signs Blessing Muzarabani

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially added Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani to their roster for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

A Proven T20 Performer

As highlighted in a franchise announcement, the 6-foot-8 right-arm bowler has established himself as one of Zimbabwe's top pace bowlers in T20 cricket, recognized for his impressive bounce and ability to take wickets during crucial moments. Muzarabani boasts a wealth of T20 experience, having taken over 90 wickets in more than 80 T20 Internationals, maintaining an average of approximately 21, with his best performance being 3 wickets for just 8 runs. He also ranked as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets in the recently held T20 World Cup 2026. His speed and reliability in various global leagues and international matches will enhance KKR's bowling lineup as they prepare for the season.

Contract Details and Background

Muzarabani is expected to arrive in Kolkata on Tuesday, with KKR set to kick off their season against the Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He is the sole Zimbabwean player participating in this year's IPL. Last season, he was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad but did not make any appearances. RCB clinched their first IPL title last year. The 29-year-old pacer opted out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join the IPL this season. He will replace Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by the franchise in accordance with BCCI regulations.

KKR Squad for IPL 2026

New Players

Cameron Green (INR 25.2 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (INR 18 crore), Tejasvi Singh (INR 3 crore), Finn Allen (INR 2 crore), Rachin Ravindra (INR 2 crore), Tim Seifert (INR 1.5 crore), Akash Deep (INR 1 crore), Rahul Tripathi (INR 75 lakh), Kartik Tyagi (INR 30 lakh), Prashant Solanki (INR 30 lakh), Sarthak Ranjan (INR 30 lakh), Daksh Kamra (INR 30 lakh), Blessing Muzarabani.

Retained Players

Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.