Muzarabani Pulls Out of PSL 2026 After Signing IPL Deal with KKR

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has withdrawn from the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after securing a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Muzarabani had been set to represent Islamabad United in the PSL but informed the franchise of his decision to pull out. KKR confirmed his signing on Friday, bringing the Zimbabwean pacer into their squad ahead of the IPL season.

The 27-year-old joins KKR after the franchise was directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in December to release Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Mustafizur had been bought during the 2026 IPL auction for INR 9.2 crore (approximately USD 1.02 million). He has since signed with Lahore Qalandars for the PSL, which begins on March 26—two days before the IPL starts.

Muzarabani, who previously won a PSL title with Multan Sultans, had initially gone unsold during the PSL auction held on February 11. However, Islamabad United later secured him through a direct signing after releasing West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

With the PSL and IPL scheduled to run simultaneously for the second consecutive year, Muzarabani’s move marks another instance of a player switching from the PSL to the IPL. Last season, South African allrounder Corbin Bosch had been signed as a Diamond Pick by Peshawar Zalmi before joining Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement in the IPL. Bosch’s withdrawal from the PSL resulted in the league imposing a one-season ban on him.

It remains unclear whether the PSL will impose a similar penalty on Muzarabani, and officials are reportedly reviewing the situation.

Muzarabani recently enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where the Zimbabwe national cricket team topped their group and advanced to the Super Eight stage. The pacer finished the tournament with 13 wickets in six matches—just one short of the leading wicket-takers—including a four-wicket haul in a dominant victory over Australia national cricket team.