Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani’s performances at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have triggered fresh IPL valuation debate — with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif claiming the seamer would have commanded at least ₹20 crore ($2.2 million) had the auction taken place after the tournament.
Muzarabani has been one of the standout fast bowlers of the group stage, taking nine wickets in three matches and delivering a match-defining 4/17 against Australia, including the key dismissals of Josh Inglis and Tim David.
₹20 crore ($2.2 million) potential at IPL auction
Kaif believes the timing of the IPL 2026 auction — held before the T20 World Cup — cost Muzarabani a massive financial opportunity.
“Blessing Muzarabani is an exceptional bowler. He will be targeted by IPL franchises in the future. He bowls in every phase of the game, with the new ball and the old. He is six foot eight inches; he also has height. If the IPL Auction was held after the World Cup, and the way Muzarabani is bowling now, I can tell you with guarantee that he would have fetched at least 20 crores in the IPL Auction. He is unlucky that the IPL Auction is already done,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
The statement reflects how quickly market perception can shift in franchise cricket, particularly when performances come against elite opposition.
Zimbabwe’s statement wins impressed Kaif
Zimbabwe’s victories over Australia and Sri Lanka caught global attention, especially given the conditions and the pressure of knockout-style group fixtures.
“It is not an easy thing to defeat Australia and then Sri Lanka in their home. The match against Sri Lanka was a sellout one as well. So, to play in front of that home ground, and on a slow pitch, where Pakistan struggled to chase 176, Zimbabwe chased down 179. Zimbabwe showed how to play on that pitch,” Mohammad Kaif said.
Muzarabani’s ability to operate effectively with both the new and old ball — combined with his 6 ft 8 in height — has strengthened his credentials as a multi-phase T20 asset.
Kaif compares Muzarabani to Starc
Kaif also drew a bold comparison with Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who commanded ₹20.50 crore ($2.26 million) at the IPL auction, while Pat Cummins went for ₹24.75 crore ($2.73 million).
In Kaif’s assessment, Muzarabani’s skillset may be more suited to sustained T20 impact.
“We have seen these Australian and New Zealand bowlers for a long time now, earning a lot of money. What has Starc done? Sure, he won those 2 important games for KKR. Remove those 2 matches, and check the other matches, he has been hit for runs in those. Whenever he has played for Delhi, he has been hit for a lot of runs. Muzarabani could do a better job than Starc,” Kaif added.
IPL pathway already in motion
While a mega payday did not materialise this cycle, Muzarabani has already entered the IPL ecosystem. He previously worked as a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants and was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a temporary replacement in the 2025 season when Lungi Ngidi was unavailable.
If current form continues, IPL franchises may not get a second chance to sign him at a bargain. As Kaif suggests, the next auction window could look very different for Zimbabwe’s emerging pace spearhead.
