NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe pacer
Blessing Muzarabani has found himself at the centre of a growing controversy and his agency strongly refuted the
Pakistan Super League’s decision to hand him a two-year ban. The fast bowler, currently representing Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, was penalised for withdrawing from a PSL deal to take up an IPL opportunity. However, his representatives have now issued a firm clarification, insisting that no formal contract was ever signed, making the ban unjustified.
Muzarabani was initially lined up as a replacement signing in the PSL, reportedly on a deal worth PKR 11 million, before opting to join KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. The move triggered disciplinary action from the PSL, led by Mohsin Naqvi, citing breach of commitment. But the player’s agency, World Sports Xchange, has pushed back strongly, arguing that the very basis of the punishment is flawed.
‘No contract, no breach’: Muzarabani's agency calls ban excessive
In a detailed statement, the agency clarified that while Muzarabani had been approached by Islamabad United, the agreement remained conditional and was dependent on securing a No Objection Certificate from Zimbabwe Cricket. Crucially, they pointed out that such an NOC requires a valid, signed contract — something that was never provided.
“You simply cannot breach a contract you have never received,” the statement said, directly challenging the PSL’s stance.
The agency further revealed that when KKR approached Muzarabani on February 27, there were no binding obligations preventing him from accepting the IPL offer. They described the ban as “incredibly excessive” and inconsistent with past cases involving actual contractual breaches. Calling it an administrative lapse, they urged the PSL to “gracefully withdraw the ban” and correct what they termed an error on the league’s part.
Amid the off-field storm, Muzarabani has begun making his mark on the field. After going wicketless on debut, he bounced back impressively with a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad, underlining his value to KKR despite limited opportunities so far.
Stay updated with the latest
IPL Live Score,
IPL news on
Times of India. Follow the
IPL Schedule, check the
IPL Points Table, and track the race for the
IPL Orange Cap and
IPL Purple Cap.
At TOI Sports Desk, reporters work around the clock to bring you ...
Read MoreAt TOI Sports Desk, reporters work around the clock to bring you comprehensive updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews, and reviews, along with statistics-based technical analysis, the latest social media trends, and expert insights across cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey, motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics, and more.
Read Less