Kolkata Knight Riders blessing for Muzarabani during the training session. (PTI photo)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has acknowledged that no formal contract was ever sent to Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabane to play in the Pakistan Super League, but defended its decision to impose a two-year ban, insisting that a “clear verbal agreement” had been reached – a position that has intensified the ongoing controversy.According to a report by news agency PTI, PCB sources acknowledged that although there is no signed contract between Muzarabani and PSL franchise Islamabad United, the player has agreed to basic terms before withdrawing and joining Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026.
PCB defends ban despite contract acceptance
The PCB had earlier imposed a two-year ban on Muzarabani for allegedly breaching his commitment to the PSL after he opted to join KKR as a replacement signing.
Despite admitting that there was no official contract, board sources confirmed that the agreement was binding in principle.
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According to PCB sources, quoted by PTI, the offer was clear and there was an unequivocal acceptance of the basic terms, adding that once the remuneration and structure are agreed – even through written correspondence – it constitutes a binding commitment.The board’s position hinges on the allegation that Muzarabani ignored this understanding in favor of a “conflicting arrangement” with the Indian Premier League, thereby breaching the trust, if not the signed contract.
“You can’t break what you never signed.”
Mezarabani’s agent, Rob Humphreys, had previously launched a strong response, describing the ban as “excessive” and unjustified. Representing Pacer through World Sports Xchange, Humphries confirmed that no formal contract was ever issued, making it impossible for his client to breach any agreement.“We have remained calm publicly… but the situation requires clarity,” Humphreys said, revealing that discussions with Islamabad United were conditional on obtaining a no-objection certificate from the Zimbabwe Cricket Association.“An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the Premier League. Despite the public announcement, no contract was ever presented,” he added, urging the PCB to “gently withdraw the ban” and acknowledge what he described as an administrative error.
The dispute stems from Muzarabani’s decision to opt out of a PSL assignment – said to be worth around US$40,000 – to join KKR in IPL 2026 as Mustafizur Rahman’s replacement.The PCB’s recognition added a new dimension to the controversy, raising questions about contractual processes and player obligations in the leagues. While the board continues to defend its disciplinary action based on a verbal agreement, the Mezarabani camp remains steadfast that without a signed contract, no violation occurred.
