Rangpur Riders’ team director Shezaad Akbar Sobhan expressed optimism about the franchise’s chances in the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Speaking ahead of the BPL auction on Sunday at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, Shezaad said the team is aiming to reclaim the championship.

Reflecting on the team’s past success and their ambitions for this season, he said, “We were champions in 2017. And this year too, we have very high hopes, and with a very strong team management, we definitely want to become champions again.”

Shezaad also outlined the team’s preparation ahead of the auction. “We have come very well prepared. We will be going for many big names in this auction. And InshaAllah, we are going for the best in this auction,” he added.

Ahead of the auction, Rangpur Riders confirmed the direct signings of Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mustafizur Rahman, Khawaja Nafay, and Sufian Muqeem. Highlighting the impact of one of these acquisitions, Shezaad said, “Getting Mustafizur this time is a very proud thing for Rangpur Riders. He will give us a very strong pace-bowling unit, so we are really happy with this.”

He also touched on the possibility of the team visiting Rangpur during the BPL season. “We might see that in the future. During the BPL season, the whole team may go to Rangpur. So, everyone in Rangpur can have smiles on their faces,” he concluded.