Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has signed for Sunrisers Eastern Cape ahead of the new SA20 season, becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer set to play in South Africa’s franchise competition.
The move marks another milestone in Rishad’s rapidly growing T20 career as he continues to attract interest from leagues around the world.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape, one of the SA20’s most successful teams, have reportedly tracked the 24-year-old for some time before completing the signing.
Rishad will also reunite with a familiar figure at the franchise. Former Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo serves as Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s batting coach.
The franchise has strengthened its squad further by signing Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as a direct acquisition ahead of the new campaign.
Although Taijul Islam earned an SA20 contract last season, he did not play a match. Rishad is therefore set to become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to take the field in the tournament.
The leg-spinner has enjoyed an impressive rise on the global franchise circuit over the past year.
He claimed 12 wickets for Lahore Qalandars during a successful Pakistan Super League campaign before carrying that form into Australia’s Big Bash League.
Representing Hobart Hurricanes, Rishad took 15 wickets in 11 innings and finished as the competition’s joint-leading wicket-taking spinner.
His consistent performances across major T20 leagues have now earned him another opportunity on the international franchise stage as he prepares for his maiden SA20 campaign.
