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Muzarabani's Agency Hits Back at PSL Ban Over IPL Move, Cites 'No Contract'

Blessing Muzarabani's agency has publicly challenged his two-year ban from the Pakistan Super League. They assert the Zimbabwe fast bowler never signed a formal contract with a PSL franchise, making his subsequent signing with Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL permissible. The agency attributes the situation to an "administrative error" by the PSL and calls for the ban to be withdrawn. Muzarabani has already played for KKR in IPL 2026, taking a four-wicket haul in one match.

Key Points: Muzarabani Agency Challenges PSL Ban, Defends IPL Move

  • Agency says no formal PSL contract was signed
  • Ban called 'incredibly excessive'
  • Move to KKR made after IPL approach
  • Dispute centers on NOC and provisional deal
3 min read

'Cannot breach a contract you never received': Muzarabani's agency defends move to IPL, challenges PSL ban

Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani's agency defends his IPL signing, stating no PSL contract was signed and calls the two-year ban "excessive."

"You simply cannot breach a contract you have never received. - World Sports Xchange"

New Delhi, April 19

Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani's agency has pushed back against the Pakistan Super League after the fast bowler was handed a two-year ban from the league, insisting that he had not signed any formal contract before choosing to join Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Muzarabani was initially named as a replacement signing in the PSL on a deal reportedly worth PKR 11 million (around Rs 37.4 lakh). However, he later pulled out and signed with KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, a move that led to disciplinary action from the league.

In a statement shared on X, Muzarabani's agency, 'World Sports Xchange' clarified that no formal contract was ever signed between Muzarabani and any PSL franchise. While he had been approached by Islamabad United (IU) for the 2026 season, the agreement was only provisional and subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket-something that requires a valid, signed contract in the first place.

"Blessing was approached about a playing opportunity for the 2026 PSL, with a deal agreed subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate from Zimbabwe Cricket. An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Despite a public announcement, no contract was ever provided. You simply cannot breach a contract you have never received," the agency said.

According to the agency, when Muzarabani was approached by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 27 Feb as a replacement signing for IPL 2026, there was no binding agreement tying him to the PSL, and the Zimbabwe pacer accepted the opportunity without violating any professional commitments.

The PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, had earlier imposed a two-year ban, citing a failure to honor commitments and a breach of the league's code of conduct. However, the player's camp has described the punishment as incredibly excessive and demanded that the PSL authority lift the ban.

"We feel any ban on participation in the PSL is incredibly excessive and is not consistent with the punishment given to players that have actually breached a contract in the past. We urge the PSL to gracefully withdraw the ban and accept this situation for what it is, an administrative error at their end, nothing more. We bear no grudges toward the PSL or Islamabad United," it concluded.

Muzarabani has played only two matches for KKR in IPL 2026. He went wicketless in the first match, but camebreach back strongly against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and took four wickets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From a legal standpoint, the agency is absolutely correct. An NOC requires a contract, and if the contract wasn't provided, there is no binding agreement. The two-year ban seems like an emotional overreaction by the PCB. They should fix their administrative process instead of punishing the player.
A
Arjun K
Typical. Announce a player's signing publicly to create hype, but don't do the paperwork. Then cry foul when he gets a better offer. IPL is the premier league, any player would choose it over PSL if given the chance. The ban is just sour grapes. Hope KKR keeps him!
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Priyanka N
While I understand the player's side, there is also an element of professional courtesy. If you've given a verbal agreement or a provisional nod, you should at least inform the other party before jumping ship. The ban is too harsh, but the situation could have been handled with more communication from both sides.
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Vikram M
The real story is the four wickets against SRH! The boy has talent. Let him play where he gets the best opportunity. IPL provides world-class exposure and coaching. For a cricketer from Zimbabwe, this is a career-defining move. PSL should just accept their L and move on.
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Karthik V
This happens in business all the time. A better offer comes along before the paperwork is complete. It's unfortunate for Islamabad United, but that's the risk of not formalizing things quickly. The IPL auction and replacement dynamics are fast-paced. You snooze, you lose.

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