The Pakistan Cricket Board has acknowledged that no formal contract was ever sent to Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani for the Pakistan Super League, but has defended its decision to impose a two-year ban, insisting that a “clear verbal agreement” had been reached – a stance that has intensified the ongoing controversy.
According to a report by news agency PTI, PCB sources admitted that while there was no signed contract between Muzarabani and PSL franchise Islamabad United, the player had agreed to essential terms before retiring and joining Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
PCB defends ban despite contract admission
Earlier, the PCB had imposed a two-year ban on Muzarabani for allegedly violating his commitment to the PSL after he opted to join KKR as a replacement signing. While admitting the absence of a formal contract, board sources maintained that the agreement was binding in principle.
According to PCB sources, cited by PTI, the offer was clear and there was unequivocal acceptance of the essential terms, adding that once the remuneration and structure are agreed upon, even through written correspondence, it constitutes a binding obligation.
The board’s position hinges on the claim that Muzarabani disregarded this understanding in favor of a “conflicting agreement” with the IPL, thereby breaching trust, if not a signed contract.
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‘You can’t violate what you never signed’
Muzarabani’s agent Rob Humphries had earlier launched a strong rebuttal, calling the ban “excessive” and unjustified. Humphries, who represents the pacer through World Sports Xchange, claimed no formal contract was ever issued, making it impossible for his client to breach any agreement.
“We have remained silent publicly… but the situation demanded clarity,” Humphries said, revealing that talks with Islamabad United were conditional on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket.
“You cannot get an NOC without a PSL contract. Despite a public announcement, no contract was ever delivered,” he added, urging the PCB to “gracefully withdraw the ban” and acknowledge what he described as an administrative error.
The dispute arises from Muzarabani’s decision to opt out of a stint in the PSL (reportedly worth around $40,000) to join KKR in IPL 2026 as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
The PCB’s admission has added a new dimension to the controversy, raising questions about contractual processes and player obligations in franchise leagues. While the board continues to defend its disciplinary action based on a verbal agreement, Muzarabani’s camp remains adamant that without a signed contract no breach occurred.