ISLAMABAD — Islamabad United have confirmed the replacement of West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph with Zimbabwean seamer Blessing Muzarabani ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League.
Joseph, acquired at his base price of PKR 11 million during the PSL auction, had no competing bids, and the contract was reportedly terminated by mutual consent. Islamabad United are moving decisively to strengthen their fast-bowling reserves with Muzarabani, who brings both experience and recent form to the squad.
Muzarabani returns to familiar ground
The 29-year-old Zimbabwean has previous PSL experience and was part of the Islamabad United squad that clinched the title in 2021. Despite struggles with consistency over the past year, he recently showcased a resurgence with a Player-of-the-Match performance in Zimbabwe’s dominant win over Australia in the ongoing T20 World Cup, helping his side maintain a perfect start in the Super 8s.
Once finalized, Muzarabani will join the league’s only other Zimbabwean player, Sikandar Raza, who famously hit the winning runs in the 2025 PSL final for Lahore Qalandars.
United’s reinforced bowling against Arsenal
Islamabad United, joint-record three-time PSL champions, have assembled a formidable pace attack. Alongside Muzarabani, the squad features Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Irshad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mir Hamza, and Richard Gleeson. Seam-bowling allrounder Joseph initially returned as the first pick of the auction and the second most expensive acquisition overall.
The strategic change underscores United’s intent to dominate with their quicks as they aim to defend their title and challenge for a fourth PSL crown.
PSL 2026: Fresh teams, new venues
The PSL kicks off on March 26 with an expanded roster of teams, including newcomers Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. Multan Sultans have also undergone a franchise relocation to Rawalpindi under new ownership. The tournament will culminate with the final scheduled for May 3.
While neither Joseph nor the franchise is expected to issue public comments, the swap represents a calculated move by Islamabad United to bolster firepower in the pace department, combining international experience with recent form to ensure the squad is battle-ready for a high-stakes season.
