Islamabad, 14 February 2026 – Islamabad United have agreed a mutual termination of Shamar Joseph’s contract and are set to register Zimbabwe fast-bowler Blessing Muzarabani ahead of next month’s Pakistan Super League.
The franchise bought Joseph at Friday’s draft for his base price of PKR 11 million, yet both parties have now walked away from the deal. A team official, speaking on background, said the move was “simply about balance – nothing dramatic.”
United’s paperwork has been lodged with the PSL technical committee, and approval is expected within days. No official statement is planned.
Why Muzarabani?
At 29, the 2.03-metre seamer offers steep bounce, a trait the coaching staff felt was missing. His recent Player-of-the-Match spell in Zimbabwe’s shock T20 World Cup win over Australia – 4 for 22, hitting the splice at will – reminded observers of his 2021 title-winning cameo for Multan.
“I just tried to hit my lengths and keep things simple,” Muzarabani told ICC TV that night. “The confidence is back; the rhythm is back.”
Squad shape
United already boast a pile of quicks: Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Irshad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mir Hamza and England’s Richard Gleeson join returning all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. Head coach Mike Hesson (appointed last month) argued privately that variety, not volume, was the missing ingredient. Muzarabani’s high release is the chosen fix.
Concerns over Joseph
Joseph, 24, impressed on West Indies’ recent tour of Australia but has managed heavy workloads and a minor side strain. Friends of the player insist those niggles “weren’t central”, yet the timing suited everyone. A Caribbean Cricket Union spokesman added: “Shamar remains highly thought-of. Franchise cricket’s a marketplace – these things happen.”
Wider context
Muzarabani will become the league’s second Zimbabwe international, joining Sikandar Raza, who struck the winning runs in last year’s final for Lahore Qalandars.
The 2026 PSL begins 26 March and features debutants Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. Multan Sultans have relocated to Rawalpindi under new ownership. The final is set for 3 May.
Quick take
• United replace one hit-the-deck bowler with another, but gain proven PSL experience.
• Joseph’s release frees a valuable overseas slot should late injuries bite.
• Muzarabani’s World Cup form suggests momentum, though his record over the last year – 11 T20I wickets at 38 – warns against over-excitement.
For a side chasing a record-breaking fourth title, the tweak feels measured rather than headline-grabbing – an attempt to tidy the edges rather than rip up the canvas.
