LANKY Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani becomes the first local seamer to play at the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) after Lucknow Super Giants snapped him up.
It is second time lucky for Muzarabani, who went unsold during the IPL auction, as he joins the Lucknow franchise as a replacement for England international Mark Wood.
At Lucknow, the 25-year-old Muzarabani has been reunited with fellow Zimbabwean, Andy Flower, the coach of this new franchise. The pair combined in 2021 to help Multan Sultans to a Pakistan Super League title.
The country last had a representative at this prestigious tournament in 2014. Muzarabani becomes the fourth Zimbabwean to feature at the IPL after former national team players Tatenda Taibu, Raymond Price and Brendan Taylor.
Muzarabani is a genuine strike bowler who gets crucial wickets in the power play and will prove to be a bargain buy for Lucknow.
Countries like Afghanistan and Nepal have overtaken Zimbabwe in terms of providing players to the IPL with regularity.
Hopefully, Muzarabani’s presence at this year’s IPL will open more doors for Zimbabwe fast bowlers.
