Dhaka: Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain will not participate in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), Australia's domestic T20 tournament, which is considered one of the premier events after the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rishad could have become only the second player from Bangladesh, following Shakib Al Hasan, to play in the Big Bash if he had been available for the Hobart Hurricanes, the team that selected him. However, due to his commitments with the Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Rishad had to forgo the BBL, as the scheduling of the two tournaments coincides. Afghanistan left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil has already replaced Rishad in the Hobart Hurricanes squad. It was initially reported that Rishad was to play only three matches for Hobart Hurricanes in BBL's 14th edition. However, the franchise has confirmed that they have chosen to go with the Afghan wrist spinner instead of waiting for Rishad. "The Hobart Hurricanes ca n now confirm that Afghan star Waqar Salamkheil will join the Purple Army after Rishad Hossain became unavailable for the duration of BBL 14 due to the Bangladesh Premier League," stated a Hobart Hurricanes press release. BBL 14 is scheduled to run from December 15, 2024, to January 27, 2025, while the BPL will start on December 30, 2024, and continue until February 7, 2025.
