Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been banned from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years. This decision came after he signed with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, despite having previously agreed to terms with the PSL team Islamabad United.

The 29-year-old Muzarabani went unsold in both the IPL and PSL auctions but was signed by Islamabad United. However, he opted to join Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This move was deemed a breach of contractual obligations by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In a statement, the PCB said: "Despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement. The attempt to move away from such commitments without valid cause is a violation of contractual obligations and principles of good faith that govern global professional sports."

This case mirrors the one-year ban imposed on South African bowler Corbin Bosch last year after he snubbed Peshawar Zalmi to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. The IPL and PSL have been held almost simultaneously since last year, making it impossible for international players to participate in both leagues.

Pakistani cricketers have not competed in the IPL since 2008, a situation stemming from geopolitical tensions following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Concerns about Pakistani players being selected for England's The Hundred tournament, due to the number of teams under Indian ownership, were alleviated by the signing of Abrar Ahmed by Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds, but this sparked fierce backlash on social media and criticism from former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

Source: www.aljazeera.com