KKR Confirm Mustafizur Rahman Replacement For IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
Mustafizur Rahman got rewarded with a lucrative INR 9.2 Cr contract for IPL 2026, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed him for a hefty price.
However, things did not work out as planned, as the Bangladesh pacer had to be kicked out of the competition due to a sudden change in the India-Bangladesh relationship.
And now, just when the IPL 2026 is about to begin, the three-time champions made it official that they have signed someone as his replacement.
Earlier, it was reported that Blessing Muzarabani would sign for KKR after some movements on social media. A few hours later, it turned true.
Blessing Muzarabani Joins KKR As Mustafizur Rahman Replacement
Zimbabwe’s main fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, has been chosen to replace Mustafizur Rahman at the KKR camp. The lanky pacer had a spectacular T20 World Cup campaign, having taken 13 wickets in six matches at a strike rate of just 11.
And KKR rewarded him with a blockbuster IPL contract, and as a result, Muzarabani had to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he was picked as Shamar Joseph's replacement.
The 6 feet 8 inches tall lanky pacer from Zimbabwe had previously been with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Muzarabani was there with RCB in IPL 2025, where he came as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi at the fag end of the season.
Blessing Muzarabani To Join KKR On March 17
Muzarabani will join the KKR camp on March 17, with IPL 2026 scheduled to begin on March 28. The KKR camp has already been hit by multiple injuries, with INR 18-crore-buy Matheesha Pathirana also being a doubt for IPL 2026.
Nevertheless, Muzarabani is yet to play in IPL, and this could be the year the 29-year-old has dreamed of.
KKR will start their IPL 2026 journey on March 29, with five-time champions Mumbai Indians as their first opponents. The MI vs KKR will be held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
After that, KKR will play Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants on April 2, 6 and 9, respectively. All three fixtures will take place in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Blessing Muzarabani Stats
Muzarabani has 67 wickets in Tests, having played 18 matches in red-ball cricket for Zimbabwe. In the ODIs, he has picked up 70 wickets in 57 matches, and has 106 scalps in 89 T20Is.
In T20s, Muzarabani has been a very popular figure in elite franchise tournaments. There, he has impressive numbers as well, with 155 wickets in 137 wickets at an economy rate of 7.35 speaking volumes.
Karachi Kings, Gulf Giants, Multan Sultans, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Northamptonshire are some of the popular teams Muzarabani has played so far, apart from being a part of the RCB, the IPL 2025 champions.
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