The controversy began when Muzarabani agreed to join Islamabad United for the 2026 PSL season. However, weeks later, he pulled out of the deal to participate in the Indian Premier League, where he secured a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
In an official statement, the PCB expressed disappointment over the player’s actions, stating that despite “a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms,” Muzarabani chose to ignore his contractual obligations in favor of a conflicting opportunity. As a result, the board imposed a two-year ban on the pacer from participating in the PSL.
Muzarabani’s decision came shortly after Islamabad United signed him as a replacement for Shamar Joseph, who had been released from the squad. Interestingly, Muzarabani had initially gone unsold during the PSL auction held on February 11 before being picked up later through a direct signing.
On the IPL front, the Zimbabwean pacer was brought in by Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from the squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Mustafizur had earlier been acquired for ₹9.2 crore in the 2026 IPL auction.
Despite the off-field controversy, Muzarabani has made a notable start in the IPL, picking up four wickets in two matches, albeit with an economy rate of 10.71, conceding 75 runs.
The Zimbabwe pacer had also recently impressed on the international stage during the T20 World Cup, where he finished as the joint third-highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets, helping Zimbabwe reach the Super Eights stage.
This incident highlights the growing scheduling and contractual conflicts between global T20 leagues, as players increasingly face difficult choices between lucrative opportunities and professional commitments.
