Blessing Muzarabani had performed brilliantly in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Zimbabwe national cricket team fast bowler finished the major tournament as the leading wicket-taker for the country with 13 wickets. This was also the fourth highest score in the tournament. He bowled brilliantly in the Sri Lankan leg and helped his team win important matches against Australia and Sri Lanka.
Blessing Muzarabani, who joined Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph for the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, has now withdrawn from the league. There have been media reports that the Chevron fast bowler is set to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the upcoming season. He has been linked to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
KKR names Blessing Muzarabani as replacement?
KKR is yet to announce a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was picked up by the franchise at a price of Rs 9.20 crore in last year’s IPL auction. However, he was released by the franchise on the orders of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
With time running out for KKR as they have not officially announced any replacement for the Bangladesh pacer, it is believed that Blessing Muzarabani is the frontrunner to be the replacement. KKR is facing problems with fast bowling before IPL 2026, as Mathisha Pathirana and Harshit Rana are injured.
Muzrabani withdraws from PSL
– Blessing Muzarabani has withdrawn from PSL to join KKR in IPL. pic.twitter.com/GzdX3YzJk3
-Salman. (@TsMeSalman) 13 March 2026
Mathisha Pathirana out of IPL?
However, the former player will join the KKR camp in a few weeks as Pathirana suffered a hamstring injury during the ICC T20 World Cup and has been out since February 16. However, KKR will be without the services of Harshit Rana for most of the season as the fast bowler suffered a knee injury during the India vs South Africa practice match.
Muzarabani’s form and impressive bowling performances in the subcontinent will certainly help the three-time IPL champions. He was part of the IPL-winning team setup for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last year. However, he did not play a single match in the competition. Muzarabani’s height of 6 feet 8 inches creates extra pace and bounce.
Muzarabani blessed to shine in Eden Gardens
On the kind of wicket at Eden Gardens, Muzarabani can be lethal with the new ball with his hit-the-deck ability and can also swing the new ball. KKR fans are waiting for the official confirmation from the fast bowler from the African continent.
The tall and lanky fast bowler has prior experience of playing in various T20 leagues around the world. He is involved in ILT20, PSL, CPL and Vitality Blast. He has taken 45 wickets in different leagues and his economy has also been good.
Blessings to Muzarabani’s T20 record
| tournament | mat | Inn | balls | it goes | wickets | B.B.I | bbm | average | economy | sr | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ILT20 | 17 | 17 | 373 | 442 | 22 | 3/25 | 3/25 | 20.09 | 7.10 | 16.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| psl | 15 | 15 | 328 | 426 | 21 | 3/18 | 3/18 | 20.28 | 7.79 | 15.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| cpl | 3 | 3 | 39 | 69 | 1 | 1/30 | 1/30 | 69.00 | 10.61 | 39.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| life force explosion | 4 | 3 | 48 | 76 | 1 | 1/28 | 1/28 | 76.00 | 9.50 | 48.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
KKR have built a great team with their batting and amazing depth in the Indian bowling attack. With both Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in great form, the Knights are one of the favorites to win the IPL this season.
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