With the Bangladesh Premier League entering its decisive phase and only the play-offs remaining, franchises are stepping up efforts to strengthen their squads for the knockout battles.
Against that backdrop, Kane Williamson could feature in the BPL for the first time, with Rajshahi Warriors actively working to bring the former New Zealand captain into the tournament. A source close to the development at Rajshahi Warriors has confirmed to Times of Bangladesh that discussions are ongoing to make the move happen.
If the deal is completed, Williamson who famously led New Zealand to the ICC World Test Championship title would turn out for Rajshahi in the latter stages of the competition.
According to sources, Rajshahi’s New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is playing a key role in trying to persuade his international team-mate to join the franchise. Talks are continuing, although a final decision has yet to be reached.
Williamson is currently involved in South Africa’s SA20, representing Durban Super Giants. The right-hander has struggled for consistency in the tournament so far, scoring 110 runs from seven matches at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 120.27, with a highest score of 40 against MI Cape Town.
Despite his modest returns, Rajshahi remain keen to secure his services and are understood to be targeting his availability from the first qualifier, should circumstances allow.
However, Williamson’s participation in the BPL is dependent on Durban Super Giants’ progress in the SA20. Durban have won just three of their 10 matches and currently sit fourth on the points table with 19 points, leaving their play-off fate finely balanced.
Their qualification now hinges on the result of the match between Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals. Paarl, with 24 points from nine matches, have already sealed a top-four finish and sit second, while Joburg are fifth with 17 points.
In the SA20, a win carries four points. If Joburg beat Paarl, they would move to 21 points and overtake Durban. If Joburg fail to win, Durban would remain fourth on 19 points and play the eliminator on 22 January — a scenario that would make Williamson’s availability for the BPL unlikely.
Should Durban fail to reach the top four, however, the former New Zealand skipper could become available from the BPL qualifier stage.
Meanwhile, other franchises are also busy reinforcing their squads ahead of the knockouts. Sylhet Titans have already welcomed Chris Woakes to Dhaka, with Sam Billings expected to join shortly. Discussions are also progressing with Phil Salt, and if terms are agreed, the England opener could also feature in the BPL for Sylhet.
