Muzarabani Gets Two-Year PSL Ban After IPL Move
- Chipo Basira
- 15 Apr, 2026
Muzarabani Gets Two-Year PSL Ban After IPL Move
Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been banned from the Pakistan Super League for two years after he joined Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders instead of playing for PSL team Islamabad United.
The 29-year-old went unsold in both the IPL and PSL auctions.
Islamabad United later signed him, but Muzarabani chose to join Kolkata as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. Rahman was released following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Since last year, the IPL and PSL have run at nearly the same time, making it impossible for players to take part in both leagues.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said Muzarabani had accepted Islamabad’s offer and terms before switching.
“Despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement,” the PCB said in a statement on Tuesday.
The PCB called the move a violation of contractual obligations and the principles of good faith that govern professional sports.
Muzarabani is the second player to face a ban for choosing the IPL over the PSL.
South African bowler Corbin Bosch received a one-year PSL ban last year after leaving Peshawar Zalmi to play for Mumbai Indians.
Pakistani players have not featured in the IPL since 2008.
Twelve Pakistani players were picked by five franchises that year, but none have been selected since, amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Concerns were raised that Indian-owned teams in England’s The Hundred might avoid Pakistani players.
However, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for this year’s tournament. The signing drew criticism on social media.
Former India player Sunil Gavaskar said the move “indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians.”
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