Babar Azam Set To Play Rangpur Riders' Next Match vs Sylhet Strikers In BPL 2024
Babar Azam [X.com]
In a major boost for Rangpur Riders, Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam is poised to join the team for their upcoming match in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 season. The game is scheduled against Sylhet Strikers in Mirpur on Tuesday, January 23.
Babar, who recently played for Pakistan in Christchurch, contributing to their victory over New Zealand by 42 runs in the fifth T20I to avoid a series whitewash, has left for Dhaka to reunite with his BPL team, the Rangpur Riders.
His arrival is particularly relieving for Rangpur, given the setback they faced with the departure of their star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, who left Dhaka on Sunday for eye treatment in Singapore, ruling him out for the remainder of the BPL 2024.
Expressing optimism, Rangpur coach Sohel Islam stated that Babar is likely to play in the match against Sylhet Strikers. The team has already planned his role and designated his playing position, which is expected to be beneficial for the team.
"The chances of playing the match are very high and he will hopefully play the match. We already planned his role and decided where he will play. It is definitely good for the team," Sohel Islam said to the media on Monday.
In the current BPL season, several Pakistani cricketers opted not to participate due to non-objection letters (NOCs). However, four cricketers received approval, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
While pacer Shaheen Afridi is set to play in the ILT20, the remaining three cricketers, including Babar, are expected to join the BPL in Bangladesh soon.
Rizwan will represent Comilla Victorians, and Wasim Jr. will play for Khulna Tigers. Another Pakistani, Mohammad Haris, who arrived in Dhaka to represent Chattogram in the BPL's tenth edition, did not receive the necessary clearance from the PCB due to his prior involvement in two franchise leagues between July 2023 and July 2024, reaching the maximum limit set by the board.
The Riders have strategically signed several foreign star cricketers for this year's BPL, including the likes of Babar, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana. Babar's inclusion is expected to strengthen the team's batting lineup, especially considering the batting challenges faced in the previous match.
Babar will likely bat at number 3, where Shakib batted in the opening game against Fortune Barishal.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
