Blessing Muzarabani Withdraws from PSL 11 to join KKR

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has withdrawn from PSL 11 after securing a deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The Zimbabwe pacer was initially set to represent Islamabad United in the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League. However, the franchise has now been informed that Muzarabani will not participate after Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed his signing on Friday.

Muzarabani fills a vacancy in the Knight Riders squad created after Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman departed from the team.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India had instructed Kolkata Knight Riders in December to release Mustafizur Rahman, who had been bought at the IPL auction for INR 9.2 crore, approximately US$1.02 million.

Mustafizur Rahman has since joined Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. The PSL season is scheduled to begin on March 26, two days before the start of the IPL season.

Muzarabani, who previously won a PSL title with Multan Sultans, had gone unsold in the initial PSL auction held on February 11.

Islamabad United later brought him in as a direct signing after parting ways with West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

Second consecutive year of PSL player switching to IPL

This is the second straight year that a player contracted to a PSL franchise has opted to play in the IPL while the two leagues run at the same time.

Last season, South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch was selected by Peshawar Zalmi as a Diamond Pick but later joined Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement.

Bosch’s withdrawal from the PSL resulted in the league imposing a one-season ban on him.

It remains unclear whether the PSL authorities will impose a similar disciplinary action on Blessing Muzarabani following his withdrawal from PSL 11.

Check out: PSL 11 Trade Window Opens for One Week