PCB admits no contract was signed with Blessing Muzarabani but refuses to lift 2-year PSL ban

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a strict action against Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani, handing him a two-year ban from Pakistan Super League (PSL) over breach of contract with Islamabad United. Days after the ban was imposed, Muzarabani’s agent, Rob Humphries slammed PCB on social media, claiming he was never given a contract which led to the pacer signing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While PCB has admitted that there was no contract was sent, they have refused to lift the ban.

As per a report by PTI, PCB has used firm verbal agreement as grounds for banning Muzarabani. Notably, the pacer wasn't a part of the PSL players' auction or had a contract with Islamabad United.

"In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favor of a conflicting arrangement," PCB had said in a statement last week.

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Social media announcement not a binding contract

Humphries had said that the contract was never received which is needed to obtain NOC (No objection certificate) from Zimbabwe’s cricket board. He also hit back at the abuse on social media the pacer has been subjected to from Pakistan fans for choosing IPL over PSL.

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“We've remained quiet publicly over the last six weeks because we did not wish to create or cause anymore animosity for the Pakistan Super League/Pakistan Cricket Board than they had already created for themselves,” Humphries’ statement said.

"[On] 13 February, Blessing [was] approached by Islamabad United about a playing opportunity for the 2026 PSL. The deal [was] agreed subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket.

“An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Islamabad United/PSL announced the signing to the world via social media,” it said.

No action against Shanaka, Johnson

Interestingly, apart from Muzarabani, Sri Lanka T20I skipper Dasun Shanaka and Australia’s left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson also pulled out of PSL 2026 to play in the IPL 2026. Shanaka joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) whereas Johnson will join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as their replacement player for an injured Nathan Ellis.