'Playing in overseas leagues...' - Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain reveals why he chose BBL over BPL

As the winter cricket season starts, fans usually expect Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain to shine in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). But this time, the young spinner is heading to Australia instead of Dhaka.

Rishad has decided to skip the BPL and join the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL). This move shows his ambition to play and learn abroad. Last year, Rishad was signed by Hobart but didn’t get a chance to play. So, he went on to play for Fortune Barishal in the BPL, but even there, his chances were limited.

Ironically, both teams, Hobart Hurricanes and Barishal, went on to win their leagues. This year, Rishad has full permission from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) through a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is ready for his first complete BBL season.

Rishad Hossain's overseas ambition

Rishad explained his decision clearly. “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,” he said. He added that no one pushed him; it was entirely his choice. “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 bold step. He wants to test himself on faster and bouncier pitches. He also received praise from cricket legends Ricky Ponting and Aaron Finch, which motivated him even more. “It feels good when players of that stature talk about me. It motivates me to keep performing and live up to their words,” Rishad said.

The new BBL season is a huge opportunity for Rishad to develop, learn, and prove himself. As the Hurricanes look to defend their title, he can't wait to be part of it this year and not miss another season as a spectator.