The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, ruling him out of participation in the competition until 2029. The decision follows his withdrawal from a deal with Islamabad United after securing a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Pakistan Cricket Board stated that the player was guilty of “a fundamental failure to honour agreed-upon commitments” and that his actions undermined the “professional framework of the league”.
Muzarabani had been brought in by Islamabad United shortly after the auction as a replacement for Shamar Joseph. The franchise and Joseph had mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing Muzarabani to join on similar terms, with an expected earning of PKR 11 million (approximately US$40,000).
Although terms had been agreed, the formal contract had not yet been signed. This allowed Muzarabani to withdraw from the arrangement when Kolkata Knight Riders approached him as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. The IPL deal was significantly more lucrative, with the bowler set to earn around $160,000—roughly four times the value of his PSL agreement.
“The sanction serves as a necessary measure to safeguard the professional environment of the PSL,” the league said in a statement. “The PSL remains dedicated to ensuring that the league remains a platform where contractual certainty is respected and where the actions of all players and agents reflect the prestige of the tournament. The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach.”
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Comparison With Previous Cases
The penalty handed to Muzarabani is notably harsher than a similar case in 2025. Corbin Bosch received a one-year ban after leaving Peshawar Zalmi to join Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement. Bosch continues to represent Mumbai this season.
Muzarabani is not the only player to have opted for the IPL after agreeing to PSL terms. Dasun Shanaka had reached an agreement with Lahore Qalandars before moving to Rajasthan Royals, who signed him as a replacement for Sam Curran. Shanaka announced his departure a day before the PSL began, with Rajasthan Royals confirming his signing soon after. The PSL had indicated that the matter would be reviewed, though no sanction has been announced so far.
IPL Appearances
Muzarabani has featured in two matches for Kolkata Knight Riders this season, including a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he has not played since April 2. Kolkata Knight Riders currently sit at the bottom of the table and are yet to register a win this season.
