Shakib Al Hasan Joins Chittagong Kings for BPL 2024
Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to don the colors of Chittagong Kings for the upcoming season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). After signing a two-year deal with Rangpur Riders in 2023, Shakib’s tenure with the franchise came to an amicable end, allowing him to move directly to the Kings. His signing is a significant boost for Chittagong, as they aim to enhance their squad ahead of the new season.
Shakib’s transition to Chittagong Kings was facilitated by a mutual understanding between the player and his former franchise. This agreement underscores the collaborative spirit within the league, as teams look to build competitive squads for the tournament. The Kings’ acquisition of Shakib is expected to inject experience and skill into their lineup, making them a formidable force in the competition.
Uncertainty Surrounds the BPL Draft
The BPL draft brought a wave of relief to many involved, including the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Faruque Ahmed. Addressing the media, Ahmed expressed his concerns about the uncertainty surrounding team participation leading up to the draft. “We were all in a lot of uncertainty. I wasn’t even sure how many teams would participate. It took a lot of hard work. My BPL team also worked on it,” he remarked.
Despite the initial apprehensions, the draft was conducted successfully, allowing teams to solidify their rosters. “Most teams still have multiple roles to fill. So far, the draft has gone as expected, though it was postponed once,” Ahmed said. He emphasized the importance of this draft in setting the stage for the upcoming tournament, assuring fans that there will be new and exciting developments in the league.
As the dust settles on the draft, teams are actively seeking to strengthen their squads. For instance, Fortune Barishal made a notable signing by bringing in Rishad Hossain after a delay due to his prior commitments with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. This showcases the ongoing strategic maneuvers teams are engaging in as they prepare for the December 27 kickoff of the tournament.
Looking ahead, Ahmed expressed optimism about the league’s future and the new initiatives being implemented. He stated, “Given that, I wouldn’t say it’s been too bad. There are seven teams. We are trying many new things. It won’t be 100 percent perfect but it will be better than before.” This proactive approach aims to elevate the BPL’s standards and enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.
In a bid to further improve the quality of play, the BCB is committed to ensuring batter-friendly surfaces during the tournament. Ahmed remarked, “This time, our utmost effort will be to ensure good batting wickets where bowlers will be respected if they bowl well.” This initiative reflects the board’s intention to make T20 cricket more enjoyable and exciting, ultimately benefitting the fans and players.
