Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarbani is all set to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise. Making his debut in this cash-rich league, the Zimbabwean fast bowler is likely to join KL Rahul-led LSG squad as the replacement of England pacer Mark Woods who will miss this season due to his injury. However, the RPSG Group-backed Lucknow team has not yet rolled out any official confirmation for the same.

First Zimbabwean to join IPL in 8 years!

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As per the official Twitter handle of the Indian Ambassador in Zimbabwe, Muzarbani has departed from his country to join the Lucknow Super Giants in India for the upcoming season of IPL. So far, the right-arm pacer has played six Tests, 30 ODIs and 21 T20Is for his country. The 25-year old player is likely to join the team as Wood's replacement or as a net bowler of Lucknow Super Giants.

Interestingly, Muzarbani will become the first Zimbabwean player to participate in IPL in 8 years. Brendan Taylor was the last cricketer from Zimbabwe who was a part of IPL franchises. Apart from these two players, Tatenda Taibu and Ray Price have also been a part of the IPL.

Notably, LSG had earlier approached Bangladesh pacer, Taskin Ahmed to take over Mark Wood's spot. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board denied him the NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the same. With the news of Muzarbani joining LSG making the rounds, it seems like the search for Wood's replacement has finally ended.

LSG to lock horns with Gujarat Titans on March 28

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While the IPL 2022 is slated to begin from March 26, the Lucknow Super Giants will make its debut on March 28. According to the schedule released by the BCCI, LSG will lock horns with the other debutant of IPL 2022, Gujarat Titans in its first match at the Wankhede Stadium. With 10 teams competing against each other over a single spot in this 74 match affair, the carnival of cricket will overlook the natural boundaries of the sport.