PCB imposes strict sanction on Blessing Muzarabani for opting IPL over PSL

The Pakistan Cricket Board has imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani after he withdrew from the Pakistan Super League at the final stage to participate in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Muzarabani, 29, had gone unsold in both leagues’ auctions before being roped in as a replacement player by Islamabad United. However, in a late turn of events, he opted out of his PSL commitments to join Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.

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Confirming the decision, the PCB announced that the pacer will be ineligible for the next two editions of the PSL with immediate effect.

“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,” the board said in an official statement.

The governing body further underlined the seriousness of the breach, stating, “The attempt to move away from such commitments without valid cause is a violation of contractual obligations and the principles of good faith that govern global professional sports.”

Reinforcing its stance, the PCB added that the sanction was necessary to uphold the league’s integrity and professional standards.

“The sanction serves as a necessary measure to safeguard the professional environment of the PSL… ensuring that contractual certainty is respected and that the actions of all players reflect the prestige of the tournament,” the statement read.

Muzarabani has already featured in two matches for KKR in IPL 2026. After going wicketless on debut, he made a strong comeback with a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Spencer Johnson and Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka are among other players who pulled out of PSL deals to join the IPL this season, though no action against them has been announced so far.