Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has earned an opportunity to play for Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season, the same franchise Tamim Iqbal represented back in 2020.
Currently, Tamim and Rishad are teammates in the Fortune Barishal squad, competing in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). During their training in Chattogram, Rishad received words of encouragement and insights from his captain, Tamim, regarding the PSL franchise.
In previous years, Rishad received offers from overseas leagues but couldn’t participate due to various complications. However, this time, if everything goes smoothly, the 22-year-old spinner is set to feature for Lahore Qalandars for the full season.
Lahore Qalandars, a two-time PSL champion (2022 and 2023), holds a strong reputation. Tamim had previously played for the team during the 2020 season, appearing in two eliminators and the final. Though his performances for Lahore were not remarkable, he gained a good understanding of the franchise during his stint.
Speaking to the media during practice on Tuesday, Rishad revealed Tamim’s words to him about the PSL side.
“Tamim bhai told me yesterday, ‘Congratulations on being picked for the PSL. It’s a great franchise, and you’ll enjoy playing there.’ That’s what he said,” shared Rishad.
Interestingly, Lahore’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, played for Fortune Barishal in this BPL season, providing him an up-close view of Rishad’s skills. This connection might have influenced Lahore’s interest in the young leg-spinner.
Rishad admitted he had some idea about the selection beforehand.
“My agent told me that Lahore Qalandars might pick me in the PSL. I had a feeling it would happen, so I wasn’t too surprised,” he said.
However, Rishad remains focused on his current commitments in the BPL.
“Getting opportunities anywhere is a blessing. First of all, Alhamdulillah. I don’t expect much, whether it’s IPL, Big Bash, or PSL. Right now, my focus is on the BPL. When the PSL comes, I’ll think about it then,” he added.
Apart from Rishad, the PSL draft saw Nahid Rana picked by Peshawar Zalmi and Liton Das by Karachi Kings. Meanwhile, several other prominent Bangladeshi players, including Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, missed out.
Rishad believes more Bangladeshi players will feature in foreign leagues in the future.
“If we continue performing well, there will likely be more opportunities next year, maybe for three or four players. It’s better not to dwell on missed chances,” said Rishad.
He concluded with hope for the future:
“We all want to see 12-15 of our players playing in overseas leagues. The way this year’s BPL is going, I’m optimistic that our players will get to participate in even better tournaments in the future.”
