IPL 2022 | Muzarabani set to join Lucknow Super Giants: Reports

The adroit Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani is all set to join the newly added IPL side Lucknow Super Giants. The official Twitter handle of the Indian ambassador in Zimbabwe has surfaced this news via a tweet. It’s mentioned in the tweet that the ambassador gave his best wishes to the bowler and his team as Muzarabani prepared to leave for IPL 2022. 

“Ambassador met with Mr. Blessing Muzarabani, the Zimbabwean bowler, as he prepared to leave for #IPL2022. Ambassador wished him and his team #LucknowSuperGiants the very best”, the Twitter handle of the Indian ambassador in Zimbabwe wrote. 

Although it’s confirmed that Muzarabani will be joining the Lucknow-based franchise, it’s still unclear whether he will be a replacement for Mark Wood or a net bowler. The official confirmation regarding this is awaited. 

With this, Muzarabani will become the first Zimbabwean cricketer to be a part of the IPL in the last eight years. The young fast bowler has gained fame by some stunning performances for Zimbabwe in white-ball cricket. 

In his brief T20I career, Muzarabani has picked 25 wickets from 21 games and thus has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s improved bowling performance in recent times. He has the ability to swing the ball upfront and can bowl some serious yorkers in the slog overs as well. 

The Harare-born was one of the front runners in the race to join Lucknow as the replacement for Wood alongside Taskin Ahmed. 

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board hasn’t given Taskin the ‘No objection certificate’ (NOC) to play the IPL as Bangladesh are yet to play one ODI and three tests against the Proteas in their den. Also, the BCB wants Taskin to remain fit and available for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. 

On being asked about the reason behind not giving Taskin NOC for the IPL 2022, BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus said, “Since we have two important series like the ongoing home tour of South Africa and the home series against Sri Lanka, we feel it won’t be right for him to take part in the IPL. 

“We have spoken with Taskin, and he has understood the whole situation. He informed the franchise that he is not playing the IPL and will be available for the South Africa tour and later will return back home.” 

Led by KL Rahul, the Lucknow Super Giants will kick start their inaugural IPL campaign by facing off Gujarat Titans in Mumbai on 28th March.