TATA IPL 2026: Blessing Muzarabani Leaves PSL Contract To Join Kolkata Knight Riders

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In a bid to strengthen their pace bowling department, the Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Zimbabwe's fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who will join the squad for the upcoming TATA IPL 2026.

The 6.8 feet right-arm quick has risen through the ranks to become the leading pace bowler in the shortest format. He is known for his steep bounce and ability to strike in key phases of the innings.

Muzarabani brings significant T20 experience, having claimed over 90 wickets in more than 80 T20 Internationals at an average of around 21, with best figures of 3/8. His pace and consistency across global leagues and international cricket add further depth to KKR's pace attack heading into the season.

Muzarabani Leaves PSL For IPL

The Zimbabwean fast bowler was signed by Islamabad United for the 2026 PSL after securing a deal in the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Muzarabani has already informed Islamabad of his decision to withdraw and join the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Muzarabani will join the Kolkata-based franchise after the release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman (bought for ₹ 9.2 crore). The Zimbabwean, who has won a PSL title with Multan Sultans, was initially unpicked at the PSL auction on February 11. However, a deal was later reached with Islamabad as a direct signing after they let go of West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

With the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League overlapping for the second consecutive season, it marks another instance where a cricketer originally contracted by a PSL franchise has shifted to the IPL.

Last year, South African pacer Corbin Bosch was selected by Peshawar Zalmi as a Diamond category pick. However, he later joined the Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement. Following his withdrawal from the PSL, the tournament organisers imposed a one-season suspension on him. ESPNcricinfo has contacted the PSL authorities to determine whether a similar disciplinary action could be taken against Blessing Muzarabani.

Muzarabani recently impressed during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, playing a key role in helping the Zimbabwe national cricket team top their group and progress to the Super Eight stage. The tall fast bowler finished the tournament with 13 wickets from six games, narrowly missing out on sharing the top spot among the leading wicket-takers. Notably, four of those wickets came during Zimbabwe's emphatic victory over Australia national cricket team earlier in the competition.