Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain has rejoined Lahore Qalandars ahead of their high-stakes eliminator clash against Karachi Kings, set to be played on Thursday evening in Lahore. The 21-year-old’s return bolsters Qalandars’ spin options at a crucial juncture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
Rishad flew back to Pakistan after featuring in the third T20I against UAE in Sharjah on Wednesday. Despite Bangladesh losing the series 2-1, he played two of the three matches and picked up three wickets—though not at his economical best. His performances in the UAE series were a contrast to the impact he had earlier in the PSL, where he took nine wickets in five matches at an average of 16.44, establishing himself as a reliable option in the middle overs.
His return marks a unique moment for Qalandars, who now possess a trio of Bangladeshi spinners—Rishad, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Shakib has featured in one game since joining the side, while Mehidy arrived earlier this week and is yet to be tested in the playoff pressure. The presence of three frontline spinners from the same national side offers Qalandars rare depth but also adds a layer of complexity to their selection strategy.
Rishad was among several overseas players who left Pakistan earlier in the month due to heightened security concerns linked to ongoing regional tensions. The PSL was briefly disrupted, and players were temporarily relocated. His return, along with the others, signals a cautious but steady resumption of the league under reinforced security protocols.
The Qalandars now face a selection headache as they balance their bowling attack ahead of a do-or-die game. With Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace battery, Qalandars will need to choose wisely between their spin trio, especially considering conditions in Lahore, which have generally aided slower bowlers in the evening games.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has extended Rishad’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) until May 25, clearing him to remain available for the remainder of Qalandars’ campaign. This allows him to participate in the PSL final if Lahore qualify. Bangladesh’s upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, which begins on May 28 in Lahore, has created a tight turnaround for Rishad and the other Bangladeshi players involved.
With Rishad’s presence, Qalandars gain both a wicket-taking option and a player already acclimatised to Lahore’s conditions. All eyes will now be on how the defending champions manage their resources in a knockout match that could define their season.