Rangpur Riders have assembled a star-studded lineup of local Bangladeshi cricketers for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League. The squad features Litton Kumar Das, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy and pace sensation Nahid Rana. Pakistani all-rounder Khushdil Shah will share the dressing room with them as Rangpur begin their BPL campaign on 26 December.
After arriving in Bangladesh for his second consecutive BPL season with Rangpur, Khushdil wasted no time in heading to the nets at Bashundhara Sports City on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after the practice session, Khushdil was full of praise for Rangpur’s pace resources, particularly young fast bowler Nahid Rana. “Nahid Rana is a very talented player. He is very good and hardworking, and I hope, Insha’Allah, that he will play good cricket,” Khushdil said. He also expressed his hope for Rana’s success at the international level. “I pray for him as well. The better he performs, the better it will be for Bangladesh.”
Khushdil also highlighted the importance of Mustafizur Rahman, who is set to join Rangpur after his ILT20 commitments. Stressing Mustafizur’s vast experience in the shortest format, Khushdil said the team would rely heavily on him. “Mustafizur is an experienced player. In T20 cricket, he knows exactly where to bowl wide deliveries, and he uses his slower balls with great variation.”
While praising Mustafizur’s control and experience, Khushdil once again pointed to Nahid’s raw pace as a key weapon in Rangpur’s attack. “Rana beats batsmen with sheer pace,” he said, adding that both bowlers are high-quality cricketers.
Khushdil also reflected on how the Bangladesh Premier League has played a crucial role in reviving his international career. His performances for Rangpur last season earned him a recall to the Pakistan national team and eventually a place in the ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Admitting that the BPL has always been special for him, Khushdil said the tournament has consistently brought out his best. “Alhamdulillah, whenever I have come here, I have performed,” he said. “I have performed for every team I have played for, and Rangpur Riders has definitely been lucky for me.”
Recalling his comeback to international cricket, Khushdil added, “My return to the Pakistan team happened after I performed well here last year. Insha’Allah, my effort is to perform well again this season and help my team win.”
