Mohsin Naqvi's PCB Bans KKR's Blessing Muzarabani From PSL

Blessing Muzarabani [Source: AP Photos]

In a major update, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken strict action against Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani. This decision came after he signed with Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders last month. 

Earlier, Muzarabani had agreed to play for Islamabad United in PSL 2026. Later, he decided to leave that contract after receiving an IPL offer.

Notably, the PCB has imposed two-year ban since Muzarabani had already accepted a deal with Islamabad United. His decision to withdraw from the agreement created a serious concern. Therefore, the board viewed this as a failure to follow professional commitments.

KKR signs Blessing Muzarabani as replacement

The tall fast bowler was picked by KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. The Bangladeshi pacer had been released earlier following directions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United had signed Muzarabani as a replacement for West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph. At the same time, reports suggested that the PCB was unhappy with the Zimbabwean pacer. As a result, the board moved forward with disciplinary action.

PCB takes strict action against Blessing Muzarabani

On Tuesday, the PCB released an official statement regarding the matter. It said,

“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honor agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league, “

It is important to note that this is not the first time such a situation has happened. In fact, this is the second year in a row where a player chose the IPL after signing with a PSL team.

Also Read: Sunil Narine Back, Blessing Muzarabani Dropped As KKR Put Into Bat By Rishabh Pant 

Players choose IPL over PSL

Last season, South African pacer Corbin Bosch also made a similar move. He was picked by Peshawar Zalmi as a Diamond category player. Later, he joined Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement.

There has been a continuous clash between the IPL and PSL over player availability. The IPL attracts players from around the world due to its higher financial rewards and wider audience reach. As a result, many cricketers prefer playing in the IPL.

In addition, players like Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Australia’s Mitchel Owen also changed leagues. They played a few matches in the PSL for Peshawar Zalmi. Later, after the tournament was paused due to tensions between Pakistan and India, they joined the IPL.

Several other international players such as Jake Fraser-McGurk, Gudakesh Motie, Ottneil Baartman, and Spencer Johnson also withdrew from the PSL before it started. They mentioned different reasons for their decisions.

PSL 2026 is currently taking place behind closed doors. Matches are being played in Lahore and Karachi. This arrangement is due to an oil crisis linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Blessing Muzarabani’s recent performance

Meanwhile, Muzarabani has been in good form. He performed strongly in the T20 World Cup, taking 13 wickets in six matches. 

In IPL 2026, he has taken four wickets in two innings, with an economy rate of 10.17. He is expected to play in the upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Also Read: Sanju Samson Receives Grand Honour From Jay Shah's ICC