Kolkata Knight Riders’ Blessing Muzarabani during training. (PTI photo) The Pakistan Cricket Board has acknowledged that Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani was never sent a formal contract for the Pakistan Super League, but is defending its decision to impose a two-year ban, insisting a “clear verbal agreement” was reached, a stance that has fueled ongoing controversy.According to a report by news agency PTI, PCB sources admitted that although there was no signed contract between Muzarabani and PSL franchise Islamabad United, the player had agreed to basic terms before pulling out and joining Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
PCB defends ban despite accepting contract
The PCB had earlier handed Muzarabani a two-year ban for allegedly breaching an undertaking to the PSL after he decided to join KKR as a replacement signing. While admitting the absence of a formal contract, board sources said the deal was binding in principle.According to PCB sources quoted by PTI, the offer was a clear and unequivocal acceptance of the basic terms with the addition that once the remuneration and structure is agreed – even through written correspondence – it constitutes a binding obligation.The board’s position hinges on the allegation that Muzarabani ignored this arrangement in favor of a “conflicting arrangement” with the IPL, in breach of trust if not a signed contract.
“You can’t break what you never signed”
Muzarabani’s agent Rob Humphries had earlier launched a strong rebuttal, calling the ban “excessive” and unwarranted. Humphries, who represented the pacer through the World Sports Xchange, argued that no formal contract was ever issued, making it impossible for his client to breach any agreement.“We have been silent publicly… but the situation required clarity,” Humphries said, revealing that discussions with Islamabad United were conditional on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket.“The NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. No contract was ever provided despite a public notice,” he added, calling on the PCB to “decently revoke the ban” and acknowledge what he termed an administrative error.The row stems from Muzarabani’s decision to opt out of a PSL stint – reportedly worth around $40,000 – to join KKR in IPL 2026 as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.The adoption of the PCB has added a new dimension to the dispute, raising questions about the contractual processes and obligations of players in franchise leagues. While the board continues to defend its disciplinary action based on the verbal agreement, Muzarabani’s camp remains confident that there was no breach without a signed contract.
