Zimbabwean Bowler Blessing Muzarabani Faces Two-Year Ban from PSL for IPL Switch

PCB Takes Action Against Blessing Muzarabani

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a significant penalty on Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, banning him for two years after he opted out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

At 29 years old, Muzarabani was initially overlooked during both the IPL and PSL auctions. However, he was later signed as a replacement by Islamabad United. Despite this, he chose to abandon the team to participate in the IPL, where he was brought in to replace Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by KKR following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). KKR confirmed his signing, and he joined their roster just before the IPL season commenced shortly after the PSL.

In an official statement, the PCB declared, “After a comprehensive disciplinary investigation, Blessing Muzarabani is now deemed ineligible to compete in the next two editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately.”

The PCB emphasized that Muzarabani's decision to withdraw from his commitments without a legitimate reason constituted a breach of his contractual obligations and the principles of good faith that are essential in professional sports worldwide.

Previously, the PCB had issued a one-year ban to Corbin Bosch, reinforcing their stance on maintaining a professional atmosphere within the PSL.

The PCB stated, “This sanction is crucial for preserving the professional integrity of the PSL. The league is committed to ensuring that contractual commitments are honored and that the conduct of all players and agents upholds the tournament's esteemed reputation.”

In the meantime, Muzarabani has already participated in two matches for KKR in IPL 2026. He did not take any wickets in his debut match but bounced back impressively against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), claiming four wickets.

Besides Muzarabani, Spencer Johnson and Dasun Shanaka are also players who have withdrawn from their PSL contracts to join the IPL this season, but no disciplinary actions against them have been disclosed yet.