Rishad Hossain hopes to ignite IPL hopes with T20I series against India

After India announced their T20I squad for the Bangladesh series, the focus is slowly shifting towards the white-ball format as the Kanpur Test is anyway in the doldrums after nearly three days being washed out due to rain. 

Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh’s developing leg spinner, hopes to make it count in the three-match series, beginning with the first T20I on October 6 in Gwalior. 

"India is always a good team and is the number one ranked team in T20I. We hope to do well against them and I am trying to prepare that way. None of us are thinking that we cannot win the series,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

However, just on the day India’s squad was announced, BCCI also announced the retention policy for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The league is one of the world's richest sports leagues and the biggest in cricket. Rishad is among the many who desire to be a part of it. 

"I am not thinking that far like the IPL. As far as my dream is concerned ( playing in the IPL) it is not like a dream but everyone feels that I will be happy if I can play in the IPL and I also have the same desire. 

I am hopeful that I will play( in the IPL) Insha'Allah,” said the 22-year-old who impressed all in the T20 World Cup 2024 with 14 wickets to his name. 

Having tasted success instantly after the World Cup when he was signed for the Global T20, Rishad’s dreams came shattering as he was unable to leave Bangladesh due to the political turmoil and could not play in the league in Canada. Things are running in the same direction as far as his Big Bash League sign-up is concerned. 

Though signed by the Hobart Hurricanes, Rishad is doubtful of representing them as Australia’s top T20 competition collides with Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). 

"Every opportunity makes you feel good but I was not excited, to be honest, and if I get the chance I will try to do well,” said the leg-spinner who was only the second Bangladesh cricketer after Shakib Al Hasan to get a BBL contract. 

"I am hoping to play in the Big Bash but at the same time there is BPL so as the two tournaments will be played simultaneously, we will have to see how it goes but I am hoping that I will get an opportunity to play a couple of matches in the Big Bash," he said. 

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