New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday announced the signing of Blessing Muzarabani ahead of the Indian Premier League season after the Zimbabwe pacer preferred the IPL over Pakistan Super league (PSL). The fast bowler, who showed up well at the recently-culminated T20 World Cup 2026, pulled out of the PSL which is running concurrently.
Muzarabani comes into the franchise after the Knight Riders were instructed by the Indian cricket board in December 2025 to release Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after he was bought at the 2026 auction for INR 9.2 crore. Mustafizur was then signed by Lahore Qalandars in the PSL which starts from March 26, two days before IPL.
A new Blessing in Purple & Gold 💜🔥 pic.twitter.com/p31V3LsGfm
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 13, 2026
KKR release statement
Meanwhile, Muzarabani was among the prominent bowlers in the T20 World Cup, finishing as the joint third-highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps as Zimbabwe made it to the Super Eights stage. KKR issued a statement with reference to his signing.
‘KKR have signed Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani to join the squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season,’ KKR said in a statement.
‘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. His pace and consistency across global leagues and international cricket add further depth to KKR’s pace attack heading into the season.’
Muzarabani is expected to arrive in Kolkata on March 17, 11 days prior to the start. KKR begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 29 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium.