Muzarabani had agreed to join Islamabad United, but his move to India’s Kolkata Knight Riders led to him being banned from Pakistan’s cricket.
Published April 14, 2026
Blessing Muzarabani has been suspended from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after the Zimbabwean fast bowler joined Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite agreeing to play for PSL team Islamabad United.
The 29-year-old, who went unsold in the IPL and PSL auctions, signed with Islamabad but chose to play for Kolkata as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by the IPL franchise on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
The IPL and PSL have been held almost simultaneously since last year, making it impossible for international players to participate in both leagues.
“Despite a clear offer and clear acceptance of key conditions, the player has chosen to ignore these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Any attempt to walk away from such a commitment without good reason violates the principles of contractual obligation and good faith that govern professional sport worldwide.”
South African bowler Corbin Bosch was given a one-year ban from the PSL after he ignored Peshawar Zalmi playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last year.
Pakistani cricketers have not played in the IPL since 2008, when 12 players from five franchises were selected.
After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Indian league did not select players from beyond its western borders due to geopolitical tensions.
Given the number of teams owned by Indian owners, there were concerns that Pakistani players would not be selected to play in English cricket’s The Hundred.
However, these concerns were allayed when Abrar Ahmed signed with Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds ahead of this year’s tournament.
But the move sparked a fierce backlash on social media, with former Indian cricketer turned commentator Sunil Gavaskar saying the deal with Abrar was “indirectly contributing to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians”.
