Mustafizur Rahman played with MS Dhoni's CSK back in IPL 2024 (PC-afp.com)
Kolkata Knight Riders invested heavily in their foreign recruits during the mini-auction ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. They acquired the services of Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman after breaking the bank for the trio for INR 52.4 crore, which was almost half of their entire budget.
However, due to the ongoing tension between India and Bangladesh, the three-time IPL-winning team had to let go of Mustafizur after the outburst from fans. But the franchise has not officially announced a replacement for the withdrawn Mustafizur Rahman.
KKR sign RCB's winner ahead of IPL 2026?
As a developing report, KKR are in talks with the Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani. He was with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their trophy-lifting season last year, but could not make a debut in the league then.
Reportedly, the three-time champions are looking to sign Muzarabani as Mustafizur Rahman's replacement before the IPL 2026. Moreover, the Chevron pacer has just followed the franchise's Instagram handle, alongside the power coach Andre Russell on the same platform.
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Having said that, neither the franchise nor Blessing Muzarabani have made a public announcement yet.
Notably, the franchise, which last won a title back in 2024, is running short of seamers after Mustafizur's departure, with Pathirana and Harshit Rana rehabbing from their respective injuries. They also have Kartik Tyagi and Umran Malik, who have a long history of injuries.
Blessing Muzarabani to pick IPL over PSL?
Interestingly, Blessing Muzarabani was signed by the Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph last month. However, if KKR sign a contract with him, the Zimbabwe cricketer will have to skip the Pakistan Super League 2026 for IPL 2026.
Reportedly, the 6 feet 8 inches tall has reportedly already withdrawn from the PSL.
If it happens, it won't be the first time a player has chosen the IPL over the PSL. Last year, when the two leagues coincided, Corbin Bosch skipped Pakistan's T20 league for the Indian extravaganza, where the Mumbai Indians acquired his services.
Even though Muzarabani hasn't debuted in the IPL yet, he played a key role for Zimbabwe during the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. As his national team reached the Super 8s, the right-arm seamer picked up 13 wickets in six outings, including his Player of the Match performance (4/17) versus Australia.
Blessing Muzarabani's rise and run in T20 World Cup
During the 2026 T20 World Cup, Blessing Muzarabani bagged his 100th T20I wicket. Apart from his 106 T20I wickets, he has taken 67 wickets in the longest format and 70 scalps in ODIs.
Muzarabani has also gained ample experience by featuring in leagues such as the PSL, International League T20, Caribbean Premier League, and T20 Blast. All over in T20s, the lanky seamer has picked 155 wickets at an economy rate of 7.35 and a strike rate of 18.5.
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