Rishad Hossain was set to play for Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) last season, however, despite receiving NOC (No Objection Certificate) for a few matches, a scheduling clash with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) prevented the young Tiger leg-spinner from boarding the flight to Australia.
Rishad had no regrets about missing the opportunity. Speaking during the BPL, Rishad had said, “I don’t regret anything. It wasn’t meant to happen. It will happen later, In Sha Allah.”
Earlier, he had been picked by Toronto Nationals for Canada’s Global T20 League but couldn’t participate due to visa complications. Later, Rishad was also set to play for Harare Bolts in Zimbabwe’s Zim Afro T10 League, but he withdrew himself from the tournament to manage his workload ahead of Bangladesh’s tour to India.
Despite getting opportunities in three franchise leagues, Rishad couldn’t make his debut aboard. Finally, his fortunes are set to change with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he will represent Lahore Qalandars.
Lahore have picked Rishad from the PSL draft to fill the gap left by Afghan star Rashid Khan. With the NOC in hand, Rishad will fly to Pakistan on April 6. Speaking to the media before his departure, the 22-year-old leg-spinner expressed his excitement and clear ambition: he wants to return home as a PSL champion with Lahore.
“First of all, Alhamdulillah, I got the NOC to play in the PSL. I’m extremely happy to be going to Pakistan. I will try to contribute as much as I can for Lahore. I want to come back home as a champion” Rishad said to reporters at Mirpur on Saturday.
A good performance in the PSL could open doors for Rishad in other franchise leagues around the world, and he is keen to seize the opportunity. “This is a big opportunity for me. It will be good for my future and also for Bangladesh cricket. I’ll try to learn and take away as much as possible from this experience,” he added.
In recent domestic seasons in Pakistan, batters have enjoyed favourable conditions, with batting-friendly pitches on offer. Even during the Champions Trophy held earlier this year in February-March, batters flourished. Having some experience of playing in Pakistan, Rishad feels confident about adapting to the conditions.
“I’ve seen the wickets in Pakistan and played against many of their batters, so I have some idea about their strengths and weaknesses. I’m working on those aspects,” he said.
Rishad will make his PSL debut on the opening day of the tournament, when Lahore Qalandars will face Islamabad United on April 11.
Meanwhile, Litton Das and Nahid Rana will also feature in this year’s PSL. Litton is set to travel to Pakistan on April 8 to join Karachi Kings, while pacer Nahid will join Peshawar Zalmi after completing the first Test against Zimbabwe after April 23.
