Star Zimbabwe bowler has been signed by Islamabad United for the PSL 2026 as a replacement for the Caribbean fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

PSL 2026: Blessing Muzarabani joins Islamabad United as replacement

The 29-year-old Zimbabwe right-arm fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been signed for Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph. 

Big news! Islamabad United have signed Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Shamar Joseph.

Pending approval from the PSL, Muza will join Sikandar Raza in this years PSL! pic.twitter.com/R52BkmVK8X

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) February 14, 2026

See Also: Mohsin Naqvi to return Asia Cup 2025 trophy to Jay Shah during IND vs PAK T20 WC 2026 clash? Report drops bombshell

Why did Islamabad United release Shamar Joseph?

Islamabad United bought the 26-year-old Caribbean fast bowler Shamar Joseph for PKR 1.10 crore in the latest PKL auction. However, since then, the franchise has faced huge backlash through social media for picking up the controversial Caribbean fast bowler. 

In June 2025, the 2024 Gabba Test hero Shamar Joseph was accused of rape by 11 women, including a teen cousin. Due to this accusation, Islamabad United have faced massive backlash for selecting him for the upcoming PSL 2026. 

In the heat moment, Islamabad United have updated the squad by dropping the controversial Caribbean fast bowler. Meanwhile, Blessing Muzarabani has joined the PSL team as a replacement.

Blessing Muzarabani is currently trending for his brilliant match-winning bowling performance against Australia, as Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs in their Group B meeting in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 last Friday (February 13), where he also became the third Zimbabwe bowler to complete 100 T20I wickets. 

Islamabad United are the joint leading PSL title holders by winning it three times in 2016, 2018, and 2024. Playing as the defending champions, they reached the Eliminator 2 last season, where they suffered a 95-run defeat against Lahore Qalandars. 

The Pakistan Super League (PSL)2026 franchise, Islamabad United, has quietly released the West Indies pacer, Shamar Joseph, just hours after they confirmed the player’s signing for the 2026 season of the tournament, which has surprised the fans and raises questions regarding their decision. They have also deleted the post of the bowler coming into the side during the auction.

The franchise initially declared the signing of Shamar Joseph during the historic auction on February 11, reporting the PKR 1.10 crore deal to strengthen their pace attack with the international experience. But within hours, the three-time champions drew attention from the fans and the media. However, they have not issued any formal explanation for the sudden reversal.

See Also: Know story of opening brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca featuring for Italy in T20 World Cup 2026

The Guyana pacer, who got his name into the history with a historic bowling performance at the Gabba in Brisbane during West Indies’ victory against Australia in the day-night pink-ball contest, faced serious allegations in June last year, including the accusations of rape, sexual assault, and harassment, with 11 women as no formal criminal charge has been filed.

Islamabad United release Shamar Joseph post PSL 2026 auction

Joseph has overall picked up 19 wickets in 17 innings of the shortest format at an average of 28.10 and an economy rate of 9.20. During their two successive victories of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Scotland and England in Kolkata and Mumbai, respectively, Joseph bagged two wickets and bowled well in various phases of the game.

Watch the video here: 

🚨 PSL IS A JOKE 🚨

11 Feb - Islamabad United bought Shamar Joseph for PKR 1.10 Crore in Auction 👏🏻

12 Feb - Islamabad United released Shamar Joseph after outrage from Pakistani fans 😲

- What's your take 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Ub0bCnGmC9

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 12, 2026

Overall, in 33 innings of the T20s, the right-arm pacer has bagged 33 wickets at an average of 29.66 and an economy rate of just over nine. Islamabad remained active in the auction as they retained their key players such as Shadab Khan, Salman Irshad, and Andries Gous, and they also bagged the services of Faheem Ashraf for PSK 8.50 crore.

Apart from this, the United also signed the New Zealand all-rounder, Daryl Mitchell, their left-handed middle order batter, Mark Chapman, the right-arm pacer of England, Richard Gleeson, the Nepal all-rounder, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Australia’s Max Bryant. They will soon start their preparation for the competition.

The West Indies will play Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series next week. All matches will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This series will be a practice for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 9.

Brandon King will lead the West Indies as white-ball captain. Shai Hope is not available for selection because of his commitments in the ongoing SA20 2025-26. Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford will also miss the UAE tour for the same reason.

Quentin Sampson received his first international call-up after strong performances in last year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He replaces Rovman Powell. Veteran players Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd have been rested as part of workload management.

Also read -Watch: Dewald Brevis’ no-look six against Kagiso Rabada from SA20 2025/26 breaks the internet

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its 16-member squad for the three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan.

Read More⬇️ https://t.co/jzgvTMZaut

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) January 12, 2026

Joseph and Lewis return to the West Indies squad

Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis have returned to the West Indies squad after recovering from injuries. However, Alzarri Joseph has not yet regained full fitness. His progress will be monitored before any decision is made about his participation in the T20 World Cup. According to Cricket West Indies (CWI), Joseph is recovering steadily.

Sammy highlights the importance of the subcontinental series

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said that playing a series in the subcontinent will give the team ideal practice ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is perfect. It helps our preparations and builds confidence ahead of a competitive T20 World Cup,” Sammy told ESPNCricinfo.

He added, “It is also a good chance to assess players who missed a lot of cricket in late 2025 and those stepping into important roles for this series.”

See also- 5 strong contenders to take over Australia’s captaincy after Alyssa Healy ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026

Series details

The series will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE from January 19–22. It will serve as preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, starting on February 6. The final squad will be announced before the three-match T20I series against South Africa from January 27–31.

West Indies squad against Afghanistan:

Brandon King (C), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.

The West Indies ace speedster Shamar Joseph is garnering headlines for all the wrong reasons of late. Following the end of the Bridgetown Test, Shamar landed in a fresh controversey as allegations of rape came to light. The pace bowling hero has been accused of rape, sexual assault, harassment and unwanted advances by at least 11 women, including his teen cousin. This groundbreaking news has shaken West Indies cricket to its core.

Although Shamar has not been proven guilty at this stage, if reported to be true, then this could severely jeopardise his promising cricketing career. As per reports, one of his rape victims include his 18-year-old teen cousin who was allegdely raped in his residence in New Amsterdam. Going by the family accounts, Shamar picked her up under the false pretext of socialising and brought her to a house filled with others. He then took her upstairs and committed the heinous act.

In the wake of this shocking development, more women came forward with supporting evidence to prove that Shamar was attempting to put a tight lid on this matter. Back in 2023, Shamar was also arrested on account of sexual assault of a teen relative under the age of consent. The victim withdrew her statement while the case was closed; the charges were not pressed.

See also: West Indies v Australia, First Test: All you need to know

CWI's stance on Shamar Joseph's shocking rape allegations

Shamar's story is an evolving story, and at the moment, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has declined to make any further comments. But the sudden emergence of these allegations in the midst of a Test match forced the national cricketing board to take action. While responding to SportsMax TV, CWI issued the following statement. 

“Cricket West Indies is unaware of the circumstances and, therefore, is not in a position to comment at this time.”

The second Test is due to take place in Grenada on July 3. It remains unclear whether Shamar will be seen in action for the second Test. A man who gained an unprecedented reputation for firing thunderbolts is now witnessing a possible end to his cricketing career. This shocking news has certainly damaged Shamar's reputation on a global scale, and his departure from the cricketing arena is bound to puncture West Indies cricket as a whole.  

The 1st Test of the Australia tour of the West Indies, played in Bridgetown from June 25-27, 2025, ended with Australia winning a convincing 159-run victory. Australia scored 180 and 310 in their innings, leaving West Indies with a tough task of 301. Although a resilient effort was made by the West Indies, they managed 190 and 141, and were short, as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Australia 1st Innings – 180/10 (56.5 Overs)

Australia's top order was in trouble as Sam Konstas (3 off 14) went early to Jayden Seales, while Usman Khawaja (47 off 128) was nudged behind to Shai Hope off Shamar Joseph. The top order continued to collapse with Cameron Green (3 off 21) and Josh Inglis (5 off 15) going, leaving the score at 81/4. Travis Head gave a dogged 59 off 78 deliveries with 9 fours, temporarily saving the innings. Pat Cummins contributed 28 off 18 balls, 3 fours, and a six, but the middle order was creaking under pressure. Jayden Seales took 5/60 from 15.5 overs, and Shamar Joseph's 4/46 from 16 overs destroyed the batting. Nathan Lyon was not out on 9 off 17, but the tail wagged limpily to 180. Australia had to depend heavily on their bowlers to defend this modest score.

West Indies 1st Innings – 190/10 (63.2 Overs)

West Indies began badly with Kraigg Brathwaite (4 off 15) and John Campbell (7 off 22) getting out cheaply to Mitchell Starc, leaving them at 10/2. Keacy Carty (20 off 40) and Brandon King (26 off 44) tried to make a comeback, but the top order could not establish a strong partnership. Shai Hope's 48 off 91 balls with 5 fours gave solidity, and Roston Chase's 44 off 108 offered support. Alzarri Joseph (23 off 20) and Jayden Seales (2 off 13) contributed late scoring, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Mitchell Starc registered 3/65, Josh Hazlewood 2/41, and Pat Cummins 2/34, making the most of the conditions. The innings finished on 190, a 10-run lead, laying bare batting weaknesses. This close advantage made the game competitive for the second innings, with bowlers being slightly in favor of the West Indies.

Australia 2nd Innings – 310/10 (81.5 Overs)

Australia's second innings was resilient, with Usman Khawaja (15 from 22) and Sam Konstas (5 from 38) getting out early to Shamar Joseph. Travis Head (61 from 95 with 8 fours) and Beau Webster (63 from 120) formed a vital 100-run stand. Alex Carey's 65 off 75 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, drove the middle order along, while Nathan Lyon was not out on 13 off 27. Shamar Joseph yet again performed, taking 5/87 off 25.5 overs, but Jayden Seales (1/70) could not hold back the tide. The total was 310, making a strong 301-run target. This display of depth and resilience pressured the West Indies’ batting, setting the stage for an intense chase on the final day.

West Indies 2nd Innings – 141/10 (Target: 301) in 33.4 Overs

Chasing 301, West Indies lost Kraigg Brathwaite (4 off 6) and John Campbell (23 off 31) early to Mitchell Starc, slumping to 16/2. Keacy Carty (20 off 36) and Shai Hope (2 off 21) couldn't settle, and the top order collapsed. Shamar Joseph's 44 off 22 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes) and Justin Greaves' 38* off 53 put up resistance, but the middle order didn't deliver. Josh Hazlewood's 5/43 from 12 overs and Nathan Lyon's 2/20 from 2.4 overs shut the innings at 141, short by 159 runs. The collapse, losing 8 wickets for 25 runs after 116/2, exposed batting weaknesses. Australia's bowlers controlled the last day, gaining a series lead.

WI vs AUS 1st Test: Key Moments

• Shamar Joseph's Nine-Wicket Haul: Captured 4/46 and 5/87, along with a defiant 44, almost lasting out the game.
• Travis Head's Twin Fifties: 59 and 61 on a difficult pitch won him Player of the Match.
• Josh Hazlewood's Pivotal Spell: 5/43 in the 4th innings sealed the deal on Day 3.
• West Indies' Collapse: 8 wickets lost for 25 runs after 116/2, revealing batting weakness.
• Nathan Lyon's Deciding Touch: 2/20 in the second innings sealed Australia's 159-run victory.

See Also: SL vs BAN 2nd Test: Key moments and Full match highlights

WI vs AUS, 1st Test: Match Scorecard

Australia 1st Innings – 180/10 (56.5 Overs)

West Indies 1st Innings – 190/10 (63.2 Overs)

Australia 2nd Innings – 310/10 (81.5 Overs)

West Indies 2nd Innings – 141/10 (33.4 Overs) (Target: 301)

WATCH: Shamar Joseph’s Magic Ball Knocks Over Beau Webster in First Test

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph made a big impact on day one of the first Test against Australia in Barbados, helping his team bowl out the visitors for just 180 runs. The highlight of his spell was a brilliant delivery that clean bowled Beau Webster, clipping the top of his off stump. It was the kind of ball fans and experts call a “beauty”-fast”, accurate, and unstoppable.

Joseph finished with four wickets for 46 runs and looked dangerous throughout. He started strong by getting 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas out for just 3 runs. The ball swung back in and hit Konstas on the pad. The umpire said not out at first, but the decision was changed after a review.

 

 

 

 

 

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Joseph later said he had a clear plan against Konstas, who has struggled against balls that come back into him. "It worked perfectly," Joseph said. That weakness had already been seen in the Under-19 World Cup and in domestic games, where Konstas was often dismissed either bowled or lbw.

Australia’s new No.3, Cameron Green, didn’t last long either caught at second slip for three, again off Joseph’s bowling. Josh Inglis, back in the team, also failed to score big and was out for five after mis-hitting a pull shot off Jayden Seales.

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Seales was just as effective, taking five wickets for 60 runs. After the match, he said the West Indies had done their homework on Australia’s new-look batting line-up. “We saw some weaknesses and planned to take advantage of them,” he said, especially pointing out Konstas’ struggles.

With 14 wickets falling in a single day, it was clear the pitch was helping the bowlers. By the end of the day, the West Indies were 57 for 4, making it an even contest so far.

Australian star batter Travis Head survived a scare during the opening day of the ongoing Barbados Test. A highly controversial ruling from the TV umpire left the cricketing world divided. Even after seeing the clear visuals of the ball carrying into the keeper's gloves, the TV umpire ruled in favor of the batting side, thus causing an intense uproar.

The incident came to light during the 46th over of the Australian innings. While facing up to West Indies' Shamar Joseph, Head chased a wide delivery while staying rooted to his crease. Although he did not get the desired connection, the replay, however, confirmed that the ball did make some contact with the cue end of Head's bat.

The West Indies were confident and, after a brief deliberation, opted for a review. Their assumptions were proven right when they saw the visuals on the big screen that suggested a tiny spike as the ball went past the toe-end of the bat. However, South Africa's Adrian Holdstock, who is the designated TV umpire, was not convinced whether the ball settled cleanly into the gloves of Shai Hope. 

Although it appeared that the ball comfortably carried into the gloves of the keeper to the naked eye, Holdstock did not seem very confident and felt that some part of the ball brushed the ground before going into the keeper's gloves.

See also: Australia record their lowest ever Test total against the West Indies in 30 years

Watch the video:

Did Travis Head get lucky? 👀

Shamar Joseph thought he had him, but was it clean? Fair call or a missed chance? 🤔#WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/MKeZe2iRTT

— FanCode (@FanCode) June 25, 2025

Despite the let-off, Head failed to cash in as he could only add six more runs before getting dismissed by Greaves on 59. Head emerged as the highest run-scorer for Australia in the first innings and stood tall while the rest of the Australian batters struggled to get their feet going on a difficult batting surface.

Australia's innings ended right after the Tea interval on day one. With only 180 runs on the board, the Aussie quicks launched a late assault to have West Indies four down for 57 by the end of the day's play. 

England made a stunning comeback in the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. For the first time in Test cricket history, England scored over 400 runs in both innings of a match.

West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl first. England scored 416 in their first innings, led by a century from Ollie Pope and other solid contributions. The West Indies then fought back, scoring 457 in their first innings to take a lead.

In response, England scored over 400 runs again in their second innings, reducing the deficit. Centuries from Harry Brook (109) and Joe Root (122) gave England a lead of over 350 runs.

Joe Root’s record-breaking performance at Trent Bridge

Joe Root hit his 32nd Test century, including his sixth against the West Indies and his fifth at Trent Bridge. He reached this milestone in just 260 innings, with only Alastair Cook ahead of him among English players.

Historically, teams have scored over 400 runs in a Test innings 12 times. England has been on the receiving end five times. Australia has done it six times, India three times, and South Africa, Pakistan, and England once each.

Australia achieved this six times between 1924 and 2008. South Africa did it against England in Durban in 1939. India scored over 400 against Pakistan in 2005, Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad in 2009, and England in 2024. Pakistan did it against India in Faisalabad in 2006. Recently, England achieved this against the West Indies in the second Test.

Historic achievement for England in Test cricket

England has set a target of 385 runs for the West Indies at Trent Bridge. After being bowled out for 425, England made a remarkable comeback after initially being overtaken by the West Indies’ first innings score. The West Indies need 385 runs to win with one and a half days left.

England sets a challenging target for West Indies

It’s a tough challenge for the West Indies batters. Despite their first Test win, England is still at the bottom of the WTC points table, while the West Indies are sixth. England’s win could move them above South Africa in the standings.

Jayden Seals took 4-97, while Alzarri Joseph claimed 2-103. Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder, and Kevin Sinclair each took a wicket.

Star West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph caused a big scene at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Day 3 of the second Test against England. During the 107th over, Joseph took on England’s young fast bowler Gus Atkinson and hit two powerful shots that were crucial for his team.

Joseph first pulled a delivery from Atkinson over deep mid wicket for a six, then smashed another ball over deep backward square leg for another huge six. The second shot was so well timed that it sailed into the stands and hit the roof of one of the boxes, causing tiles to fall on the crowd below. Fortunately, no fans were injured.

Watch Shamar Joseph’s incredible six

Joseph scored a quick 33 off 27 balls, including five fours and two sixes. He partnered with Joshua Da Silva for the tenth wicket adding 71 runs off 78 balls. Their stand frustrated England as they easily scored against a tired bowling attack.

Their partnership ended just before lunch when Joseph hit a delivery from Mark Wood straight to Gus Atkinson at mid on. Da Silva was left not out on 82, missing a well deserved century as he walked back to the pavilion.

England claims early breakthroughs on day 3

West Indies started their innings at 351/5 with Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva. England struck early when Chris Woakes caught Holder’s edge and Jamie Smith took the catch. Kevin Sinclair followed but was out after scoring 4, caught by Harry Brook.

Woakes continued his good work by dismissing Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales with back-to-back deliveries. West Indies was all out for 457, taking a narrow lead of 41 runs.

England opener Ben Duckett made history with the fastest fifty by an England player in Tests. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 32 balls during the 2nd Test against West Indies at Nottingham, showcasing his exceptional skill and talent.

In the 10th over, Jason Holder bowled a good length delivery. Duckett opened the face of his bat and guided it perfectly past the gully fielder for a boundary. This shot marked his 11th boundary of the innings, bringing up his fifty in style.

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers echoing throughout the stadium as they celebrated Duckett’s historic achievement.

Duckett eventually got out for 71 runs off 59 balls by Shamar Joseph in the 19th over, with England at 105 for 2. He lost his opening partner, Zak Crawley in the first over when Alzarri Joseph bowled him out for a duck after the West Indies chose to bowl first in Nottingham.

Fastest team fifties in Test cricket by overs

4.2 overs – England vs West Indies (today)

4.3 overs – England vs South Africa in 1994

4.6 overs – England vs Sri Lanka in 2002

5.2 Overs – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in 2004

Fastest Test fifties for England by balls

28 – Ian Botham vs India, 1981

30 – Jonny Bairstow vs New Zealand, 2022

32 – Ben Duckett vs West Indies, 2024

32 – Ian Botham vs New Zealand, 1986