Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain is back with Lahore Qalandars in time for their crucial PSL eliminator against Karachi Kings, set for Thursday at 8:00 pm local time in Lahore.
Hossain has had a busy schedule, having just played in the third T20I for Bangladesh against the UAE in Sharjah. His involvement in two out of the three matches saw the series slipping 2-1 in favour of UAE.
This return marks a continuation of Rishad’s season disrupted when he was one of several overseas players evacuated from Pakistan due to regional tensions earlier in the tournament. Now back in the fold, he joins a three-pronged Bangladeshi spin force at Qalandars, alongside veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and the recently arrived Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Shakib has seen limited action with only one appearance so far, while Mehidy is still finding his footing after joining the team a few days ago.
In his brief stint with Qalandars, Rishad’s performance has been solid—claiming nine wickets across five matches at an average of 16.44. Nevertheless, his T20 form against the UAE raised eyebrows, with three expensive wickets to show for his efforts.
The selection conundrum for Qalandars is intriguing, particularly in the bowling department. With accomplished pace options Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the attack, the choice of spin options is crucial. How the team balances these dynamics will be key as they navigate through the knockout stages.
Rishad’s stay for the remainder of the PSL is secure with the extension of his No Objection Certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board until May 25. This allows him to compete up to the final on May 25, just three days before Bangladesh’s opening T20I against Pakistan in Lahore on May 28.
Written by Mohammad Isam, ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. Follow him at: @isam84
