DHAKA, Dec 11, 2025 (BSS)— Noakhali Express, the new franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), have confirmed the signing of Afghanistan pacer Bilal Sami for the upcoming season. The franchise made the announcement via their social media handles.

This will be Bilal’s debut in the BPL. Although he has never played in the tournament before, he became a well-known figure to Bangladesh cricket fans after taking five wickets against the Tigers during a three-match ODI series in October last year. Afghanistan went on to sweep the series 3-0.

Bilal will be joining his compatriot Mohammad Nabi at Noakhali, as the experienced all-rounder was also signed by the franchise earlier. 

Nabi, a seasoned campaigner in T20 leagues around the world, most recently helped Fortune Barisal clinch the BPL title. He has represented five different teams in the BPL but will join Noakhali after completing his commitments in the IL T20.

In addition to Bilal and Nabi, Noakhali have added United Arab Emirates pacer Ibrar Ahmed to their roster. Although Ibrar has not had many chances with the UAE national team, he is a familiar face in franchise cricket, having played for Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the IL T20.

Noakhali have also signed Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis and West Indies batter Johnson Charles ahead of the auction. Mendis, who has been a regular fixture in T20 leagues like the PSL, IPL, LPL, and SAT20, will make his BPL debut with Noakhali. 

However, Mendis will be unavailable for the team’s early matches, as he will be representing Sri Lanka in a three-match T20 series against Pakistan in January, just before the T20 World Cup. If all goes according to plan, the series will start on January 7, with the remaining two matches on January 9 and 11, all set to take place in Dambulla. Mendis will rejoin Noakhali after the series.

To cover for Mendis during his absence, Noakhali has enlisted Aviska Fernando, a former Chattogram Challengers player, who has previously featured in the BPL in the last season and 2019-20 season.