Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Mustafizur was withdrawn from the tournament due to political tensions between India and Bangladesh, forcing KKR to look for a late replacement in their pace attack.
The franchise moved quickly and signed Muzarabani, one of Zimbabwe’s most in-form T20 bowlers in recent months.
The 6 ft 8 in fast bowler recently impressed at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he picked up 13 wickets for Zimbabwe.
Across his T20 international career, Muzarabani has taken 106 wickets in 89 matches at an average of 21.34, making him one of the leading bowlers for Zimbabwe in the format.
Known for his height, steep bounce, and ability to bowl consistently at pace, Muzarabani is expected to add extra firepower to KKR’s bowling unit.
He is set to join the squad on March 17 as the team begins preparations for the new IPL season.
To make the move possible, Muzarabani left his contract with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.
His decision makes him only the second cricketer to leave the PSL in order to join the IPL.
Earlier in 2025, Corbin Bosch left Peshawar Zalmi to sign with Mumbai Indians.
That move drew criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board, which stressed that players should honour their PSL contracts.
Confirming the signing, Kolkata Knight Riders said in a statement, “KKR have signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani to join the squad for the upcoming TATA Indian Premier League 2026 season.”
“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,” the franchise added.
With Muzarabani’s arrival, KKR hope to strengthen their pace attack as they aim for another strong run in IPL 2026.