In a major move before the start of PSL 2026, Islamabad United have decided to let go of the services of the West Indian quick bowler, Shamar Joseph. The franchise is likely to sign Zimbabwean quick bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for him.
The decision to terminate the contract between the player and the franchise appears to have been taken with mutual consent. There has been no official statement from either side, and the decision is yet to be approved by the PSL technical committee.
Why Islamabad United Chose Blessing Muzarabani
Islamabad United recruited Shamar Joseph for his base price of PKR 11 million in the auction for PSL 2026, and there were no other bids for him from other teams. But the management has decided to strengthen their pace department with the experience of Blessing Muzarabani.
The Zimbabwean seamer is familiar with the Pakistani league, having been a part of the United squad that won the PSL title in 2021. It is a strategic and familiar move for the team to sign him.
Muzarabani has been in top form after his performance in the T20 World Cup, where he claimed a Player of the Match award for Zimbabwe in a convincing win over Australia. Zimbabwe’s victory puts them in a good position to qualify for the Super 8 stage, showing his capability to shine in high-pressure situations.
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Islamabad United’s Strong Pace Arsenal for PSL 2026
As three-time PSL champions, Islamabad United are putting together an increasingly strong bowling core for the 2026 PSL. The franchise has already brought on board several quick bowling talent for the 2026 PSL:
Mohammad Hasnain
Salman Irshad
Mohammad Wasim Jnr
Mir Hamza
Richard Gleeson
In addition to these quicks, the franchise has also brought back the seam-bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim as the first pick of the auction and the second most expensive signing overall.
With the addition of Blessing Muzarabani, Islamabad United are working to provide depth, experience, and winning ability to their quick bowling core.
Blessing Muzarabani’s Recent Form and Impact
Despite Muzarabani having an inconsistent run of form over the past year or so, his recent form has gone to silence all the critics. Muzarabani has once again proved himself to be one of the best fast bowlers that Zimbabwe has to offer with his resurgence at the T20 World Cup.
As soon as Muzarabani is officially confirmed to be part of the PSL 2026 squad, the Zimbabwean cricketing star will join another of his countrymen, Sikandar Raza, who scored the winning runs for the Lahore Qalandars in the final of the previous season.
What to Expect from PSL 2026
PSL 2026 is going to be the most competitive edition in the history of the league. The tournament is scheduled to commence from March 26 and the final match will be played on May 3.
This season also promises to bring in some fresh dimensions to the competition:
Two new teams, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, are going to make their entry in the league.
Multan Sultans have been acquired by a new owner and the franchise has been shifted to Rawalpindi.
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