Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday (March 13) confirmed the signing of Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, slated to begin on March 28.

In order to join the KKR squad, Muzarabani has pulled out of his contract with Islamabad United for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026.

With Muzarabani’s arrival, KKR’s pace attack has received a major boost. The franchise had to release Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman on BCCI’s instructions earlier this year.

Blessing Muzarabani caught everyone’s attention with his impressive performance in the recently held T20 World Cup, picked 13 wickets as Zimbabwe defeated Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage to qualify for Super 8s.

"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," KKR said in a statement.

"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 link up with the KKR squad on March 17. He is only the second player to withdraw from his PSL contract in favour of a move to the IPL.

Last year, South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch did the same, joining Mumbai Indians (MI) as a replacement for pacer Lizaad Williams. He was picked in the Diamond category by Peshawar Zalmi during the PSL 10 Draft.

Subsequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board had imposed a one-year ban on Bosch from participating in the PSL.