PSL bans Blessing Muzarabani for two years

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been handed a two-year ban by the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for defecting to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 29-year-old was initially unsold in both the IPL and PSL auctions before being signed as a replacement player by Islamabad United in the PSL. He subsequently gave up that deal after being approached by the Kolkata Knight Riders to play in the IPL.

Muzarabani has already played two matches for the Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL, taking 4/41 in his second outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In a statement, the PSL said: "Professionalism in franchise-based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game."

"The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach," the statement emphasised.

Last season, South Africa's Corbin Bosch faced a one-year PSL ban for a similar defection. Other players, including Spencer Johnson and Dasun Shanaka, have also withdrawn from PSL deals to join the IPL this season and may face similar sanctions.