The dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has intensified after the board admitted that no formal contract was ever signed for his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The PCB, which recently imposed a two-year ban on Muzarabani from the PSL, maintains that a binding verbal agreement had been reached with Islamabad United. The board alleges that the pacer breached this understanding by opting to join the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League instead.
However, Muzarabani’s agent, Rob Humphries, has strongly contested the PCB’s stance, stating that his client neither entered the PSL draft nor signed any contract with Islamabad United. He described the ban as excessive
and unwarranted, arguing that no official commitment had been formalised.
According to news agency PTI‘s sources in the PCB, although paperwork was not completed, key terms such as payment and structure had been agreed upon through email exchanges, creating what they consider a binding obligation. The board also pointed out that its original statement referenced a ‘clear offer and unequivocal acceptance ‘of essential terms.
Humphries, however, rejected this interpretation, explaining that discussions with Islamabad United were conditional on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket — something he said could not be pursued without a signed contract.
He argued that the initial approach came on February 13 regarding a potential PSL opportunity, with any agreement subject to securing an NOC. “An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Islamabad United/PSL announced the signing to the world via social media,” he said on social media.
Humphries urged the PCB to withdraw the ban, calling the situation the result of an administrative lapse.
Is email a binding document?
Email exchanges can be legally binding contracts if they contain a clear offer, acceptance, and consideration. Although the specifics depend on the country’s law.
Where is Muzarabani now?
Muzarbani played two matches for KKR, returning spells of 0/34 and 4/41. He was dropped soon after for a better balance of the squad.
