PCB hands two-year ban to Zimbabwe quick Muzarabani for PSL-to-IPL switch

Miffed over Blessing Muzarabani’s decision to pull out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to take part in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday imposed a two-year ban on the Zimbabwe quick.

The 29-year-old fast bowler had initially gone unsold at both the IPL and PSL auctions before being picked up as a replacement player by Islamabad United. A similar case last season saw Corbin Bosch receive a one-year ban after making a comparable move.

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Muzarabani later chose to withdraw from his agreement with Islamabad United after being approached by three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a stint in the IPL. The opportunity arose after the franchise terminated its contract with Bangladesh star Mustafizur Rahman.

Since joining Kolkata, Muzarabani has already featured in two matches in the ongoing IPL season. He made an immediate impact, returning figures of 4/41 in his second outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Other players, including Spencer Johnson and Dasun Shanaka, also pulled out of their PSL commitments to participate in the IPL this season. While no official confirmation has been made, both are expected to face similar sanctions.

Explaining the decision, the PCB stated, “Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two (2) editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honor agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league.”

“The PCB maintains that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement,” it added.

The right-arm pacer Muzarabani was among the prominent bowlers in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, finishing as the joint third-highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets as Zimbabwe made it to the Super Eights stage.