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KKR Sign Zimbabwe Pacer Blessing Muzarabani For IPL 2026, Release Mustafizur

The Kolkata Knight Riders have bolstered their pace attack by signing Zimbabwe's tall fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for the upcoming IPL season. Muzarabani, coming off a strong T20 World Cup, has withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League to take this opportunity. This move follows KKR's release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which was mandated by the BCCI amid controversy surrounding the player. Mustafizur had been acquired for a record sum but was released following reports of violence in Bangladesh.

Key Points: KKR Sign Blessing Muzarabani, Release Mustafizur Rahman For IPL 2026

  • KKR signs Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani
  • Muzarabani was a top wicket-taker in T20 World Cup 2026
  • He withdraws from PSL 2026 for IPL opportunity
  • KKR releases Mustafizur Rahman amid BCCI instructions
  • Mustafizur was IPL's highest-paid Bangladeshi player
3 min read

IPL 2026: KKR sign Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani, leaves out PSL

Kolkata Knight Riders sign Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani for IPL 2026. He replaces Mustafizur Rahman, who was released amid controversy.

"Muzarabani brings significant T20 experience, having claimed over 90 wickets - KKR Franchise"

New Delhi, March 13

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Blessing Muzarabani for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026.

"The 6 ft 8" right-arm quick has emerged as one of Zimbabwe's leading pace bowlers in the shortest format, known for his steep bounce and ability to strike in key phases of the innings. Muzarabani brings significant T20 experience, having claimed over 90 wickets in more than 80 T20 Internationals at an average of around 21, with best figures of 3/8," the franchise said in a release.

He is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on March 17.

His pace and consistency across global leagues and international cricket add further depth to KKR's pace attack heading into the season.

Muzarabani arrives after a strong showing in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he was the leading wicket-taker for the Zimbabwe national team, claiming 13 wickets-the fourth-highest in the tournament overall.

The tall fast bowler played a crucial role during the Sri Lanka leg of the competition, achieving match-winning performances against Australia and Sri Lanka.

The 6-foot-8 pacer previously joined Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph in the Pakistan Super League 2026 season. However, he has now withdrawn from that tournament to take this IPL opportunity.

Muzarabani's experience in subcontinental conditions and his recent form could be valuable for the three-time IPL champions.

He was part of the title-winning squad for Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, although he did not play any matches during that campaign.

Earlier, KKR released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been from their IPL squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to do so.

The call was taken amid excessive controversy and debate surrounding the player's participation in the cash-rich event.

The decision was made following reports of violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December. Additionally, critics had voiced their disapproval of Rahman's involvement in the IPL.

Rahman drew significant attention after KKR acquired him for a record Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini-auction, making him the highest-paid Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. He was purchased from a starting bid of Rs 2 crore amid a fierce bidding war between the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals.

The 30-year-old player has claimed 65 wickets over 60 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.13 since his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. He has represented several franchises: Mumbai Indians in 2018, Rajasthan Royals in 2021, Delhi Capitals during 2022-23, and Chennai Super Kings in 2024.

He represented DC in IPL 2025 after being named as Jake Fraser-McGurk's injury replacement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the PSL vs IPL dynamic here. The IPL's financial pull is undeniable. As a neutral fan, I just want to see good cricket. Muzarabani seems like an exciting prospect.
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Priya S
While I understand the reasons behind letting Mustafizur go, it feels like a cricketing loss. He's a proven performer in the IPL. Muzarabani has big shoes to fill. Hope he gets to play this time, unlike his stint at RCB where he warmed the bench!
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Rohit P
KKR management making bold calls as usual. A 6'8" pacer is a nightmare for batters. Just hoping he stays fit. Our pace attack with him, Starc (if retained), and Harshit Rana could be lethal. #KKR #IPL2026
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think we are mixing sports and politics too much. Mustafizur the cricketer is separate from geopolitical issues. The BCCI's decision sets a precedent. On pure cricketing merit, Muzarabani is a good signing, but the context leaves a bitter taste.
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Nisha Z
Exciting! Zimbabwean players bring so much passion. He was brilliant in the T20 World Cup. Welcome to Kolkata, Blessing! 🎉 Hope you get a proper chance to shine. KKR needs someone to nail those death overs.

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