Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain set to rejoin Lahore Qalandars forward of eliminator vs Karachi

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has decided to return to PSL X finally, ahead of Lahore Qalandars’ eliminator on Thursday against Karachi Kings, in Lahore. The bowler, along with countryman Nahid Rana had flew back home, after the PSL X was stopped due to mounting tensons between India and Pakistan.

Post that, Rishad was in Sharjah, playing in the T20I vs UAE, which the hosts won 2-1. His return also means that Lahore Qalandars have a three-man Bangladeshi attack, including Shakib-al-Hasan and Mehidy Hasan as well. Meanwhile, Rishad has been excellent for his side till now, picking up 9 wickets in 5 matches only at an average of 16.44.

That said, the BCB had increased the NOC duration for its players by three days, and will stay there till the end of the tournament. In fact, post the tournament, Bangladesh is slated to play three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting on May 28.

On the other hand, Bangladesh tearaway fast bowler, Rana, along with two support staff members of the national team, have opted out of the series. As per BCB’s Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, the unpleasant incident might have a part to play in his refusal.

“What Nahid Rana and Rishad faced recently, you can’t blame them for being traumatised. Which is probably why Rana has withdrawn from the tour. Among the coaching staff, James [Pamment] and Nathan [Keily], who’re our fielding coach and coach, aren’t going. The remaining are able to go there,” Fahim mentioned.

“There were hesitations among few other players. But later, when they saw others are going, they felt that it might not be difficult to go there and they changed their initial position.”