Islamabad United have reshuffled their fast-bowling unit just weeks before the start of Pakistan Super League 11.
The three-time PSL champions confirmed that Zimbabwe seamer Blessing Muzarabani will replace West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph, marking a significant late adjustment to their squad composition ahead of the March 26 kickoff.
Islamabad United confirm Muzarabani signing on social media
The franchise made the move official through its verified X account, announcing: “Blessing your timelines as @Bmuz40 joins Islamabad United. Welcome to the #ISLUFamily! #UnitedWeWin #NewEra #DimaghSe,” Islamabad United posted on X via its official social media account.
Blessing your timelines as @Bmuz40 joins Islamabad United.
Welcome to the #ISLUFamily!#UnitedWeWin #NewEra #DimaghSe pic.twitter.com/dfbsaWghaa
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 15, 2026
Muzarabani has joined the squad for PKR 11 million (approx. US$ 39K), aligning financially with the base price at which Joseph was originally secured during the PSL 11 auction at the Expo Centre in Lahore on February 11.
The squad banner shared by the franchise now reflects a 17-player roster, confirming Joseph’s absence from the lineup.
Shamar Joseph departs after auction signing
Joseph had been picked up at his base price of PKR 11 million during the auction, with no competing bids reported at the time. However, he is no longer part of Islamabad United’s squad.
According to ESPNcricinfo’s Danyal Rasool, the contract between the franchise and the West Indies fast bowler was ended by mutual agreement. The same report indicates that neither the player nor the franchise plans to issue a public statement regarding the separation, and that the matter is pending formal clearance from the PSL’s technical committee.
The development effectively opens the door for United to reinforce an already pace-heavy attack.
Strengthening a multi-layered pace unit
Islamabad United, joint-record holders with three PSL titles, have invested heavily in fast-bowling depth. Their specialist quicks for PSL 11 include Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Irshad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mir Hamza Sajjad and England’s Richard Gleeson.
The addition of Muzarabani adds height, bounce and prior PSL experience to that mix. The 29-year-old previously featured in the league between 2021 and 2023, representing Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings, and was part of a title-winning campaign in 2021. Across 15 PSL appearances, he claimed 21 wickets.
His recent form also strengthens his credentials. Muzarabani returned to prominence with a Player of the Match performance in Zimbabwe’s commanding T20 World Cup victory over Australia, a result that placed his side in a strong position to progress to the Super 8 stage with two wins in two matches.
Once administrative approvals are finalised, he will become the second Zimbabwean in the tournament alongside Sikandar Raza.
PSL 11 set for historic season
PSL 11, running from March 26 to May 3, marks a landmark edition with the introduction of a players’ auction format. The competition will also feature two new teams — Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen — while the Rawalpindi franchise enters under new ownership.
Islamabad United’s full squad blends established international names, domestic performers and emerging talent. Among the key signings are Shadab Khan (PKR 7.00 crores), Faheem Ashraf (PKR 8.50 crores), Devon Conway (PKR 6.30 crores), Mark Chapman (PKR 7.00 crores), Andries Gous (PKR 1.4 crores), and Imad Wasim (PKR 2.2 crores), alongside their reinforced pace contingent.
