Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials have stated that the final decision on Rishad Hossain involvement in the upcoming SA20 season has yet to be taken. The Bangladesh leg-spinner was recently picked up by Sunrisers Eastern Cape for the 2027 edition, but there could be some uncertainty on his availability due to clash with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Rishad is the first Bangladeshi Player to make it to the SA20 after he was selected by the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The tournament is set to run from 9th January to 4th February, with the dates of the next BPL season yet to be decided. If the two competitions coincide, the BCB will have to determine whether to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Rishad.
BPL schedule could determine Rishad’s availability
The primary concern with Rishad SA20 appearance is the anticipated timeframe for the BPL. The Bangladesh domestic tournament will probably take place in January or February, but the BPL Governing Council has not officially confirmed the dates. If there is any overlap between the two competitions, it may result in the board having to make a decision about the international and franchise obligations of the leg spinner.
There is no reason to make a decision at this time as the BPL schedule remains unclear, said a BCB official. If the two tournaments don’t overlap, Rishad might be able to do both. If they do overlap, however, the board will evaluate the situation before deciding whether or not to grant him NOC for the South African league.
Rishad could miss another BPL season
Rishad may well miss his second consecutive BPL season due to his overseas commitments. He was not available for the last edition as he opted to play in the Big Bash League in Australia for Hobart Hurricanes. If the BPL is scheduled to occur at the same time as his next SA20, it could be a similar situation.
But the BCB has emphasized that the results will not be the same as in the past. Each NOC application is reviewed on an individual basis and will be based on the player’s commitments, the needs of the national team and the home tournament schedule.
BCB to consider NOC application
The Bangladesh board will only take a decision after a formal application for an NOC from Rishad. The franchise has picked the player, but the next step will be for Rishad to submit his request before the board considers his availability, officials said.
The BCB also stated that the previous permission of Rishad to play in the BBL does not ensure his approval for the SA20. In the event that the BPL and SA20 clash, the board will consider the situation and determine whether Rishad can make the trip to South Africa or shall be kept in Bangladesh for the local tournament.
Strong franchise record boosts Rishad’s value
Rishad is entering the SA20 with impressive performances in franchise cricket. His recent efforts have further enhanced his profile as one of the most promising T20 bowlers of Bangladesh, especially for his skills in taking wickets and also contributing in the middle order as an attacking bowler.
The leg-spinner picked up 12 wickets for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League and then continued his impressive performances with Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. He took 15 wickets in 11 innings during the tournament, making him one of the top wicket takers among spinners, and making him more attractive to overseas teams.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape add another bowling option
With Rishad joining the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, they have yet another specialist spin option for the upcoming SA20 season in 2027. His attacking leg-spinning ability will give the franchise more flexibility especially on the surface which can support slower bowlers.
Rishad playing in the SA20 would also be another crucial step in his franchise career. The chance to play for other big T20 teams and play in another major T20 league could be a big learning curve, but he will be playing in the BPL only if the BCB decides to include him and as per the final BPL schedule.
