The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unhappy with Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani after he withdrew from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the last moment to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The tall pacer was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. He will now play for the three-time champions in the upcoming 19th edition of the IPL.
Earlier, Muzarabani had been picked by Islamabad United in the PSL draft for PKR 11 million. However, after receiving an offer from the IPL franchise, he decided to switch tournaments.
PCB considering legal action
According to a report by Geo Super, the PCB is now planning to take legal action against the 29-year-old pacer. Muzarabani had originally been signed by Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph. However, his decision to pull out shortly before the tournament has upset the PSL organisers.
Second straight year of PSL-to-IPL switch
This is the second year in a row that a player has left the PSL to join the IPL while both tournaments run at the same time. Last season, South African fast bowler Corbin Bosch also withdrew from the PSL after being selected by Peshawar Zalmi as a Diamond Pick. He later joined Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement in the IPL.
The repeated switches have raised concerns among PSL officials about player commitments.
Muzarabani impressed at T20 World Cup
Muzarabani recently delivered a strong performance for Zimbabwe national cricket team at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The pacer took 13 wickets in six matches and finished as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. His efforts helped Zimbabwe top Group B and reach the Super 8 stage.
One of his standout performances came against Australia national cricket team, where he claimed four wickets. The performance helped the side led by Sikandar Raza secure a convincing victory during the group stage.
PSL and IPL schedules overlap
The new season of the Pakistan Super League will start on March 26. The competition will feature eight teams, including two new franchises, and will run for more than a month. The final is scheduled for May 3.
Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League final will take place on May 31. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule only for the first 16 days of the IPL season. The rest of the fixtures will be revealed later after the Election Commission of India confirms election dates in several states.
IPL opener and KKR’s first match
The IPL 2026 season will begin with a match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign the following day against five-time champions Mumbai Indians.