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"Playing in a big league...": Rishad Hossain reveals why he chose BBL over BPL

Jatin

Rishad Hossain has opted to play in BBL over BPL [Source: @MominulCric/x.com]Rishad Hossain has opted to play in BBL over BPL [Source: @MominulCric/x.com]

When the winter cricket calendar kicks in, fans usually expect Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain to light up the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). But this time, the young leggie is packing his bags for Australia, not Dhaka.

Rishad explains his bold decision to skip the BPL

Rishad Hossain has decided to skip his home league and instead represent the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), a move that shows ambition beyond borders.

Last year, Rishad was signed by Hobart too but didn’t get a single game. So, he turned up for Fortune Barishal in the BPL instead, though even there, chances were few and far between.

In an ironic twist, both of his teams, Hobart Hurricanes and Barishal, went on to lift their respective league titles. But this year, the 21-year-old leggie has a full green light. With the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) approving his No Objection Certificate (NOC), Rishad is all set for his first full Big Bash season.

A call from the heart

Speaking about his decision, Rishad was refreshingly honest about his priorities.

“As a leg-spinner, playing in overseas leagues helps me improve both my bowling and mindset. I spoke with a few people about what would be better for my career, and everyone said Big Bash is a huge platform — so I tried my best, and by the grace of Allah, it worked out,” said Rishad as quoted by bdcrictime.com.

While it is easy to assume someone pushed him toward the move, Rishad clarified it was purely his own decision.

“There wasn’t anyone specific. I just asked myself what I needed to do to move forward. Playing in a big league like the BBL, in those dream venues, is a big opportunity for me.”

For a young spinner from Bangladesh, this is a statement. It is about stepping out of the comfort zone and testing himself on pitches where bounce and pace rule the roost.

Motivation from legends

It wasn’t just the lure of foreign exposure that swayed Rishad. He also had some powerful words of encouragement from two cricketing greats: Ricky Ponting and Aaron Finch. Ponting, who is the Head of Strategy at Hobart Hurricanes and Finch, the former Australian captain, had publicly praised Rishad’s skills earlier this year.

“Of course, it feels good when players of that stature talk about me. It definitely motivates me to keep performing and to make sure I live up to those words,” Rishad added.

For Rishad, the upcoming BBL season is a huge chance to grow, learn and prove himself on a global stage. With the Hurricanes looking to defend their title, he will be keen to play a role this time instead of watching from the sidelines.