Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. The franchise announced the news on Friday, March 13, two weeks before the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. KKR added that the player will join the team on March 17.
Muzarabani, who took 13 wickets in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, has withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League where he was supposed to play. The 6ft 8″ right-arm fast bowler has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s leading bowlers in the shortest format, known for his sharp bounce and ability to hit at key stages of the innings.
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His pace and consistency across global leagues and international cricket adds much-needed depth to injury-prone KKR pace. The Knight Riders are currently struggling with injuries to Matheesha Pathirana and Harshit Rana and Muzarabani provides a solid backup to the team.
MUSTAFIZUR JOINS PSL
Meanwhile, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has joined Lahore Qalandars in the 11th season of Pakistan Super League, days after he was released by Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kolkata Knight Riders dropped Mustafizur from their squad despite buying the player for a mammoth Rs 9.20 crore in the auction. The decision came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informally ordered the franchise to part ways with the left-arm pacer as controversies over his involvement intensified.
Mustafizur has been embroiled in controversy after backlash from some political groups and religious organizations rose following violent incidents in Bangladesh against the country’s Hindu minorities.
Mustafizur’s signing was confirmed by the Qalandars.
PLAYERS DITCHING PSL FOR IPL
This is the second time in two years that a player has left the PSL despite signing a contract. Last year, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch left the Pakistan league after being drafted in as a replacement for Lizaad Williams.
The Pakistan Cricket Board was furious with Bosch and handed him a one-year ban for withdrawing his name from the franchise league. Bosch was named a diamond pick for PSL side Peshawar Zalmi in the 2025 draft, but the 30-year-old signed for the IPL instead.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
13 March 2026 19:32 IST
