Rangpur rope in Shakib for BPL 7

Bangladesh Premier League franchise Rangpur Riders have roped in the country’s ace-all rounder Shakib al Hasan for the next edition of BPL, which is scheduled to start from December 6.

Wednesday, the franchise announced through their official facebook page that one of the finest all-rounders in the world will play for them in the seventh edition of BPL.

Shakib, one of the most successful players in BPL history, played a crucial role for Dhaka Dynamites, the former champion, in the last three seasons after playing one season for Rangpur back in 2015.

So, it is a sort of coming back for the southpaw albeit the ownership of the franchise has been changed.

The talisman was happy to rejoin the side.

Rangpur Riders signs Shakib Al Hasan as their icon cricketer. Are you excited? #BPLT20 #BPL pic.twitter.com/684gMlwoB4

— bdcrictime.com (@BDCricTime) July 31, 2019

“I am excited. This franchise have a very good record in the tournament. So, the expectation will be high. I will try my best to fulfill the expectation,” said Shakib upon joining Rangpur. 

Shakib also thanked his previous franchise Dynamites for their support.

“I had three very good years with Dhaka. I am sure I will get good support and love here as well. I hope I can fulfill my responsibility.”

Bangladesh’s ODI captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza  is also a player of Rangpur but with the inclusion of Shakib, it is assumed in the cricketing fraternity that the franchise may release their iconic player and hence the southpaw may be endowed with the responsibility.

Shakib, who is vastly experienced having played all the major franchise tournaments around the world, thinks he can support his teammates through his vast knowledge, irrespective of whether he becomes captain. 

Ace all-rounder @Sah75official was overwhelmed after being accorded a grand reception in the port city Chittagong, where he made his Test debut.https://t.co/nE5su31nG8#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BANGLADESHCRICKET #SHAKIBALHASAN #SHAKIB #CHITTAGONG

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) July 31, 2019

“As I have been playing for a long time there is no overseas player whom I don’t know. So, I hope I can plan well for the side and bring the best out of my fellow players,” said Shakib.

Shakib is the only bowler in BPL history with over 100 wickets, and he is also fourth in the highest run-getters’ list in BPL history with 1,483 runs.

Shakib, who made history by scoring over 500 runs and grabbing more than 10 wickets in a single World Cup, is currently on leave and did not take part in Bangladesh’s away ODI series against Sri Lanka.

He is expected to return to action soon.