Shanaka-Topli is coming to BPL 

The ninth season of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has had a shortage of foreign stars since the beginning. Barring the Pakistani cricketers, no big names were seen. However, the reason for this crisis is the presence of franchise-based T20 leagues in other countries at the same time. Although at the end of BPL, that crisis is going to be reduced. Sri Lankan star cricketers Dasun Shanaka and Richie Topley are coming to join the tournament.

BPL group stage games are almost over. Only 1-2 games left for each team. Meanwhile, the teams are not getting Pakistani cricketers. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ordered Mohammad Rizwan to quit the BPL to participate in the Pakistan Super League starting on February 13. To fill that gap, new players are taking over the franchises.

Rangpur Riders have added Shana to the team. This was confirmed by the franchise authority. Although earlier he was bought by Khulna Tigers from the player draft. But Khulna released this Sri Lankan all-rounder in the middle of the tournament. And Rangpur took that opportunity. The inclusion of this in-form batting all-rounder towards the end of the tournament will surely boost the strength of the Rangpur camp.

Shanaka has been in good form recently in the national team jersey. He has batted against India in the ODI and T20I series. However, playing in the International League T20 in UAE, Shanaka did not find the rhythm in the beginning. Although in the end he returned to his familiar form. If they can bring that rhythm into the BPL, Rangpur will be charged.

On the other hand, Topley has been signed by Fortune Barisal. Shakib Al Hasan’s team is going to get this English pacer at the end of the tournament. His performance in recent times, however, has not been promising. Topli could not take advantage of the ball in South Africa’s franchise-based T20 league, SAT20 league. After playing 3 matches there, he managed to pick up only 3 wickets. Let’s see what these two star cricketers can do in the BPL.