PCB bans Blessing Muzarabani for ditching Pak league and playing IPL
The Pakistan Cricket Board has handed a 2-year ban to Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani from the PSL after he made a last-minute switch to play in the IPL.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Blessing Muzarabani a two-year ban from the Pakistan Super League after the Zimbabwe star made a last-minute switch to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
In a statement, the PCB made it clear that the Zimbabwe pacer disregarded his obligations despite unequivocally accepting the essential terms to play in the league. Muzarabani, prior to joining KKR, had agreed to terms with Islamabad United for PSL 2026.
Citing a fundamental failure to honour agreed-upon commitments, the PCB believes the right-arm fast bowler disregarded his obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement.
“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,” the PCB said in a statement. “The attempt to move away from such commitments without valid cause is a violation of contractual obligations and the principles of good faith that govern global professional sports.”
BAN FOLLOWS LAST-MINUTE IPL SWITCH
Muzarabani, who was initially unsold in the PSL auction held on February 11, later reached an agreement with Islamabad United to replace West Indian fast bowler Shamar Joseph. However, despite agreeing to the essential terms—including remuneration and structure—Blessing chose to join the IPL with KKR as a replacement for Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
The Zimbabwe pacer has already featured in two games for the Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL, with best figures of 4/41 in his second outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The PCB, however, believes the sanction was necessary to safeguard the professional environment of the PSL.
“While the PSL acknowledges the complexities of modern cricket schedules, it will not compromise on the ethical framework that ensures fairness to the franchises and the integrity of the league’s recruitment processes. The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach,” it added in the statement.
Spencer Johnson and Dasun Shanaka are two other players who withdrew from their PSL deals to be part of the IPL this season. While not confirmed at this stage, they are likely to face similar sanctions.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Blessing Muzarabani a two-year ban from the Pakistan Super League after the Zimbabwe star made a last-minute switch to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
In a statement, the PCB made it clear that the Zimbabwe pacer disregarded his obligations despite unequivocally accepting the essential terms to play in the league. Muzarabani, prior to joining KKR, had agreed to terms with Islamabad United for PSL 2026.
Citing a fundamental failure to honour agreed-upon commitments, the PCB believes the right-arm fast bowler disregarded his obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement.
“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,” the PCB said in a statement. “The attempt to move away from such commitments without valid cause is a violation of contractual obligations and the principles of good faith that govern global professional sports.”
BAN FOLLOWS LAST-MINUTE IPL SWITCH
Muzarabani, who was initially unsold in the PSL auction held on February 11, later reached an agreement with Islamabad United to replace West Indian fast bowler Shamar Joseph. However, despite agreeing to the essential terms—including remuneration and structure—Blessing chose to join the IPL with KKR as a replacement for Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
The Zimbabwe pacer has already featured in two games for the Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL, with best figures of 4/41 in his second outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The PCB, however, believes the sanction was necessary to safeguard the professional environment of the PSL.
“While the PSL acknowledges the complexities of modern cricket schedules, it will not compromise on the ethical framework that ensures fairness to the franchises and the integrity of the league’s recruitment processes. The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach,” it added in the statement.
Spencer Johnson and Dasun Shanaka are two other players who withdrew from their PSL deals to be part of the IPL this season. While not confirmed at this stage, they are likely to face similar sanctions.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
