Rishad Hossain makes Big Bash debut as Hobart Hurricanes face Sydney Thunder

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain marked a historic moment in his career on Tuesday as he made his debut in the Big Bash League, earning a place in Hobart Hurricanes’ playing XI for their opening match against Sydney Thunder. With this appearance, Rishad ended a ten-year wait for a Bangladeshi cricketer to feature in the BBL through the official draft system.

Winning the toss, Hobart Hurricanes opted to field first against Sydney Thunder. Rishad’s inclusion in the XI on his very first Big Bash outing underlined the faith shown in him by the Hurricanes’ management and coaching staff.

No Bangladeshi player had previously been picked in the Big Bash through the draft. Shakib Al Hasan featured in the league during the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, but on both occasions, he played as a replacement player, appearing in only six matches across two seasons.

Rishad played 55 T20Is in his career, picking up 71 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 8.12. The leg-spinner overall played 96 T20s and had 109 wickets with a career best of 4/22.

Hobart Hurricanes Playing XI: Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Rehan Ahmed, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wicketkeeper), Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (captain), Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake.