Islamabad United have made a major change to their pace attack ahead of the upcoming PSL season, replacing West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph with Zimbabwean seamer Blessing Muzarabani. Joseph, who was bought at his base price of PKR 11 million during Friday’s auction without any competition, has parted ways with the franchise by mutual consent.
The decision comes as Islamabad United aims to strengthen its fast bowling options. Muzarabani, 29, is no stranger to the PSL and was part of the Islamabad side that lifted the trophy in 2021. His experience in the league and recent international form make him an attractive replacement for Joseph.
Over the past year, Muzarabani struggled with consistency, but he returned to form with a Player of the Match performance in Zimbabwe’s comprehensive win over Australia at the ongoing T20 World Cup. That victory put Zimbabwe in a strong position to advance to the Super 8s, winning both of their opening games.
Once finalized, Muzarabani will join Sikandar Raza as the only other Zimbabwean in the PSL. Raza famously hit the winning runs for Lahore Qalandars in last year’s final. Neither Muzarabani nor Islamabad United plans to make an official statement, and the move awaits approval from the PSL’s technical committee.
United have built a deep pace line-up this season, adding Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Irshad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mir Hamza, and Richard Gleeson as specialist fast bowlers. The seam-bowling all-rounder returned as their first pick in the auction and was the second most expensive purchase overall.
The PSL kicks off on March 26, introducing two new franchises, the Sialkot Stallionz and the Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. Additionally, the Multan Sultans have been acquired by a new owner and relocated to Rawalpindi. The season will conclude with the final on May 3.
