IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday said they have signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, slated to begin on March 28, 2026. The 29-year-old has replaced Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by KKR amid ongoing political tensions affecting player availability. KKR, with the arrival of Muzarabani, have been expecting to bolster their pace attack. Till date, KKR have claimed three IPL trophies.
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Blessing Muzarabani[/caption]
Muzarabani withdraws from PSL
To contribute to KKR in IPL 2026, Muzarabani withdrew from his contract with Islamabad United for the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He is expected to arrive in Kolkata on March 17, 2026, to link up with the squad before the tournament kicks off. Notably, he becomes the second cricketer to withdraw from an active PSL contract to participate in IPL.
Muzarabani claimed 13 wickets in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
KKR released an official statement on Friday, which read, “Muzarabani brings significant T20 experience, having claimed over 90 wickets in more than 80 T20 Internationals at an average of around 21, with best figures of 3/8.” He also drew attention in the recently conducted ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where he represented Zimbabwe and claimed 13 wickets. Zimbabwe, although, exited in the Super-8 stage.
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Kolkata Knight Riders[/caption]
Previous controversy over PSL exit
A similar situation came to pass in 2025 when South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch withdrew from PSL to join the Mumbai Indians franchise, as a replacement for injured pacer Lizaad Williams. Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imposed sanctions on Bosch, stating that he would stand ineligible for selection in the next season of PSL. The board also emphasised the importance of player commitment and professionalism when entering contractual obligations with league franchises.