KKR Signs Muzarabani as IPL 2026 Replacement

Kolkata, India – The Kolkata Knight Riders announced on Friday the signing of Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement player for the 2026 Indian Premier League season, bolstering their pace attack ahead of the tournament's start on March 28.

The 29-year-old right-arm pacer, standing at 6 feet 8 inches, joins the three-time IPL champions at his base price of 75 lakh rupees, approximately $90,000. He replaces Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, who was released by the franchise in December following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India amid escalating political tensions between India and Bangladesh. Those tensions also led Bangladesh to withdraw from the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup and ban IPL broadcasts in the country.

Muzarabani, known for his steep bounce and ability to take wickets in crucial phases, brings substantial experience to the squad. In more than 80 T20 internationals, he has claimed over 90 wickets at an average of around 21, with best figures of 3 for 8. His recent performances in the T20 World Cup, which concluded on March 8, highlighted his form: he took 13 wickets in six matches, ranking among the top four wicket-takers...