DHAKA, June 19, 2025 (BSS)- Hobart Hurricanes picked up Bangladesh legspinner 
Rishad Hossain for the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL) during a 
draft today.

Rishad was acquired by Hurricanes last season also but was not able to play 
the tournament due to his commitment in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). 

Despite the absence of Rishad, Hurricanes lifted the title for the first time 
in BBL history. 

Shakib Al Hasan remains the only Bangladeshi cricketer to play the BBL, 
Australia's prestigious domestic T20 tournament.

If Rishad gets NOC to play the tournament this time, he will join Shakib in 
playing the event, considered as one of the most high profile tournaments 
around.

A total of 11 Bangladeshi players had registered their name for the draft 
with Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 
Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shamim Patwari, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Soumya Sarkar 
and Towhid Hridoy the other 10 players.

Hobart also picked up English legspinner Rehan Ahmed alongside Rishad. 

Pakistani cricketers were the center of interest in today's draft; especially 
left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. He was the first 'pick' in the draft. In 
total, seven Pakistani players have made it to this season.

This is the first time that Afridi will play a full season in the Big Bash. 
Without any hesitation, Brisbane Heat pulled him into the team with the first 
call. They also include Spencer Johnson, Michael Nesser, and Xavier Bartlett.

Melbourne Stars had to use the 'retention pick' to keep Haris Rauf in the 
team. Adelaide Strikers showed interest in taking him to the team as they 
wanted to take him as the second pick. But Melbourne Stars did not let him 
go.

Melbourne Renegades have picked Muhammad Rizwan. Although Tim Seifert was 
previously included as a pre-signing wicketkeeper-batter for them, the team 
has still obtained Rizwan's service.

This 2025-2026 season of Big Bash kicks off on December 21.