‘Exciting’ Rishad on Shakib’s BBL route

Rishad Hossain is set to become only the second Bangladesh player after Shakib Al Hasan to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL), as the leg-spinner has been signed by the Hobart Hurricanes for the upcoming season.

Rishad, who rose to prominence with his outstanding performance in this year's T20 World Cup, taking 14 wickets, was one of 10 Bangladesh cricketers -- nine men and one woman --who entered the draft, which took place yesterday.

Following in the footsteps of Shakib -- who played for Adelaide Strikers in 2014 and Melbourne Renegades the following year -- the 22-year-old will ply his trade for a team who are yet to win the BBL title, despite reaching the final twice.

The Hurricanes announced the signing on their official social media channels, stating, "A Bangladeshi Tiger has joined the Hurricanes! Welcome to Rishad Hossain, an exciting young leg-spinner who will take BBL|14 by storm!"

The 14th edition of the Australian franchise T20 tournament is scheduled to run from 15 December this year to 27 January next year.

Rishad has played 24 T20Is and several Bangladesh Premier League matches, having featured for the Comilla Victorians last season. Earlier this year, he was signed by the Toronto Nationals for the Global T20 Canada, but visa complications due to the unrest in the country during July-August prevented him from participating in Toronto's winning campaign.