Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the closing stages of the Indian Premier League.
The 28-year-old will replace South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi, who is leaving the IPL to join the Proteas’ preparations for the World Test Championship final.
Muzarabani’s signing becomes effective on 26 May, just one day before RCB’s final group-stage match against the Lucknow Super Giants. He is currently part of Zimbabwe’s squad for their historic four-day Test against England, which is scheduled to conclude on 25 May at Trent Bridge.
Though he has never featured in an IPL match, Muzarabani has previously served as a net bowler in the tournament. He brings experience from various T20 leagues, having played in the Caribbean Premier League and the Pakistan Super League. Over the course of 118 T20 matches, he has taken 127 wickets with a respectable economy rate of 7.24.
RCB have already secured a place in the IPL play-offs, which begin on 29 May, and Muzarabani’s arrival will boost their pace options. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is currently struggling with a shoulder issue, casting doubt over his availability.
Muzarabani’s connection with RCB head coach Andy Flower may have influenced the move. The pair have previously worked together at Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, Gulf Giants in the ILT20, and during Muzarabani’s time as a net bowler at LSG, where Flower was also involved.
In recent months, Muzarabani has been a standout performer for Zimbabwe in the Test arena, claiming 26 wickets in his last four Tests, including a nine-wicket match haul in the recent win over Bangladesh in Sylhet.
