Zimbabwes Blessing Muzarabani gets two-year PSL ban following IPL switch

Pakistan Cricketer Muzarabani Banned for Two Years

A 29-year-old Zimbabwean fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, has been banned from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years. The ban was imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after Muzarabani joined Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders despite having agreed to play for Islamabad United.

Muzarabani had initially signed with Islamabad United, but chose to join Kolkata instead as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. The IPL and PSL have been held simultaneously since last year, making it impossible for international players to participate in both leagues.

According to the PCB, Muzarabani’s decision to join Kolkata without valid cause was a violation of contractual obligations and principles of good faith that govern global professional sports. This is not an isolated incident, as South African bowler Corbin Bosch was banned from the PSL for one year after snubbing Peshawar Zalmi to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last year.

The ban on Pakistani cricketers participating in the IPL has been in place since 2008 due to geopolitical tensions. However, some players have managed to join Indian-owned teams, such as Abrar Ahmed, who was signed by Sunrisers Leeds this year. The move has sparked controversy on social media, with former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressing his opposition to the signing of Pakistani players in English cricket’s The Hundred competition.

Source: Al Jazeera