The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moved to clarify its position after the representative of Zimbabwe seamer Blessing Muzarabani issued a firm response over a two-year ban handed down after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matter. The PCB acknowledged that no formal written contract was sent to Muzarabani for the season in question, but said a verbal understanding had been concluded. Its view was that the player did not honour that agreement, which ultimately led to the disciplinary action.
Key takeaways
- The PCB said there was no written contract issued to Muzarabani for this PSL cycle, but it insists a verbal deal was reached.
- Muzarabani had been linked with Islamabad United as a replacement, yet he later withdrew and joined Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL 2026 season.
- Zimbabwe Cricket’s NOC requirement is central to the dispute, with Muzarabani’s camp saying it could not be secured without proper contract documentation.
- Muzarabani’s agent described the ban as excessive and unjustified, arguing no participation in the PSL auction and no formal signing with Islamabad United.
- The PCB’s explanation, as relayed through cricket reporting, suggests Muzarabani accepted key terms and then chose a different arrangement.
From Islamabad United replacement to IPL 2026 switch
Earlier this year, in February, Muzarabani—who had remained unsold in the first PSL auction—was approached by Islamabad United as a replacement option. The franchise publicly announced on social media that the fast bowler would be part of Islamabad United’s plans for the PSL 2026 season, with the replacement fee stated as PKR 11 million.
Despite the announcement, Muzarabani later pulled out of the PSL and moved to the IPL. He signed with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The PCB reacted strongly to the change, accusing him of unprofessional behaviour and imposing a two-year ban.
Agent hits back; PCB details verbal-agreement stance
Muzarabani’s agent, Rob Humphries, responded on Sunday through a social media post, challenging the PCB’s reasoning. Humphries argued that his client did not take part in the PSL auction and also maintained that he never signed any formal agreement with Islamabad United. He further characterised the ban as disproportionate and without justification.
In reporting that cited PCB sources, the board’s position was that a written contract was not in place, but that there had been a clear verbal agreement between Muzarabani and the franchise. The sources also suggested the PCB’s clarification was based on the idea that an offer was made and accepted with clarity on key terms, yet the player allegedly disregarded those obligations in favour of another arrangement.
NOC process and the timeline after the social media announcement
Humphries also explained that Muzarabani’s PSL involvement was dependent on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket. He said such an NOC could not be granted without a formal contract. After waiting for close to two weeks following Islamabad United’s social media announcement—without receiving official paperwork—Humphries stated that Muzarabani decided to sign with KKR for IPL 2026.
Humphries said, “We’ve remained quiet publicly over the last six weeks because we did not wish to create or cause any more animosity for the Pakistan Super League or the Pakistan Cricket Board than they had already created for themselves.”
He then detailed the sequence: “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.”
The agent added, “An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Islamabad United/PSL announced the signing to the world via social media.”
