Bangladesh’s rising leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has once again been signed by the Hobart Hurricanes for the upcoming Big Bash League season. After impressing the franchise with his performances, particularly in the T20 World Cup 2024,, the young spinner has been given another chance to play for the franchise through the BBL Overseas Player Draft. The last time around, he could not be available to play for the Hobart Hurricanes due to his BPL duties with Fortune Barishal. This time, the fans, as well as the think tanks are rooting for him to don the Hurricanes’ purple jersey.
Rishad has been signed as the only Bangladeshi cricketer in this year’s draft, a testament to his growing reputation in Australia’s domestic T20 circuit.
Australian cricketing legend Ricky Ponting has reportedly spoken highly of Rishad’s talent. Former BBL star and Australia captain Aaron Finch revealed, “Bangladeshi who gives it a rip – Ricky Ponting speaks very, very highly of him (Rishad),” via BBL social media.
Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager also applauded the leg-spinner’s aggressive approach. “He’s an attacking leg-spinner, which is important to us. We want someone who is going to attack the stumps,” she stated. She also mentioned Rishad’s T20 World Cup 2024 performances, an edition in which he ended up being the joint-highest wicket-taking spinner.
Rishad Hossain being selected by the Hobart Hurricanes twice highlights his potential. It was never easy for him coming into the limelight being a Bangladeshi leg-spinner. It is never easy for the Bangladeshi wrist spinners, as they are not given enough chances in the domestic circuit. But Rishad is someone who broke the shackles, performed in front of the whole world, got signed by the Hobart Hurricanes twice, and now, earned praise from the Aussie greats.