Muzarabani handed a two-year PSL ban following his switch to IPL

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed Blessing Muzarabani a two-year ban from taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The decision comes following an inquiry into the Zimbabwean pacer’s shift to an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After initially going unsold in the PSL auction, he was signed by Islamabad United for PKR 11 million just a week later, to fill in for Shamar Joseph. Joseph and United ended the contract mutually only a few days after the auction.

Contract breach and KKR move

However, KKR roped in Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rehman, who was released from the squad on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is understood that the fast bowler was yet to sign his contract with the PSL franchise, though final terms were agreed upon. The PCB, however, deemed it a breach of the contract.

“The PCB underscores that once essential terms, including remuneration and structure, are agreed upon through written correspondence, a binding obligation is formed,” the PCB statement said. “The attempt to move away from such commitments without valid cause is a violation of contractual obligations and principles of good faith that govern global professional sports.”

Second such ban in PSL

Muzarabani is the second player to be imposed a ban from the league, with South Africa’s Corbin Bosch sanctioned for a year on similar grounds. Bosch left Peshawar Zalmi mid-season in the last edition to join Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement.

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