PCB set to take legal action against Blessing Muzarabani for ditching PSL to feature for KKR in IPL 2026

Why KKR signed Muzarabani?

Muzarabani has signed with three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from the squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Earlier, the pacer had been signed by Islamabad United for 11 million PKR as a replacement for Shamar Joseph for the PSL 11, which is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3. However, his decision to skip the PSL in favour of the IPL has drawn a strong response from the PCB, which is now planning legal action.

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Players who ditched PSL to feature in IPL

This is the second year in a row that a player contracted to a PSL team has opted for the IPL instead. Last season, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch was initially picked by Peshawar Zalmi but joined the Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement, which led to a one-season ban in the PSL.

Muzarabani's current form

Muzarabani is in the lethal form; his last outing came in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he was Zimbabwe's highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps, ranking fourth overall in the tournament. He played a crucial role for Zimbabwe in their historic wins against Australia and Zimbabwe. He will join the KKR pre-season preparations on March 17.

KKR IPL schedule

IPL 2026 is scheduled to start from March 28, and KKR will start their campaign against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on the second clash of the tournament at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai the next day.