Exclusive: Denied Twice Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain’s PSL Debut Makes a Statement

Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain can certainly be a happy man after his noteworthy debut for Lahore Qalandars against Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, as it seems to be a reward for his patience.

Rishad, who was benched in Lahore’s PSL opener against Islamabad United, starred with the ball on his first-ever appearance in a foreign T20 franchise league, claiming 3/31 from his four overs to inspire Lahore’s 79-run victory in Rawalpindi. The win also helped them open their account in the tournament after losing their opening game to Islamabad United.

It can surely be a relief for the young leg-spinner to finally feature in a foreign T20 league and show his calibre, considering the fact he was unlucky on two previous occasions.

Rishad was picked by Toronto Nationals in the Global T20 Canada as well as by Hobart Hurricanes for the Big Bash League 2024-25 following his impressive performance in the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, where he scalped 14 wickets.

However, Rishad could not take part in either tournament—he couldn’t reach Canada due to visa complications and failed to obtain a no-objection certificate from his Bangladesh Premier League franchise, Fortune Barishal, for Hobart Hurricanes in Australia due to overlapping schedules.

Rishad can claim himself lucky as the Bangladesh Cricket Board, known for not releasing their cricketers easily for franchise-based T20 tournaments, granted him a NOC for the full season of the upcoming PSL.

‘I AM A FIRM BELIEVER OF DESTINY’

For a young cricketer, missing two leading franchise-based T20 tournaments can be a huge blow. But the tall leggie hardly lost sleep over it, insisting during a chat with Sports Boom that whatever happened was written in his fate—and he knows he cannot change it.

“I am a firm believer of destiny and whatever happened was written in my destiny, so at the moment I am not dwelling on the past,” Rishad told SportsBoom.com. 

“What’s gone is gone and there is no point in holding on to it. I am looking forward to what lies ahead and setting my goals accordingly,” he said.

‘HELPFUL TO HAVE DOMINGO AROUND’

While the PSL is a new adventure altogether for Rishad, he will certainly have a comfort zone in the dressing room, as he is reunited with his former national head coach Russell Domingo, who is guiding Qalandars in the tournament in the same capacity.

Domingo had always been a big fan of Rishad and backed him to the best of his ability during his time in Bangladesh. The two appear to share a good rapport.

“I think it will be helpful for me to have him (Domingo) around as he is well aware of what I am capable of and what he is expecting from me,” said Rishad.

“I also know what I need to do to fulfil his expectations."

“It’s always nice to find a familiar face in the dressing room as it gives you some kind of comfort if not anything else."

‘BOWLING SMART IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS’

Rishad is well aware that most venues in Pakistan are expected to favour batters, likely producing high-scoring matches with batsmen dominating the game.

“If you can bowl using your head, you can be successful in PSL,” said Rishad.

“I know the wicket is batting-friendly over there in Pakistan, but at the same time, if you can mix your variations and keep your calm under pressure, you are likely to succeed even on those wickets."

The journey to franchise cricket has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Rishad, and he seems to be enjoying every bit of it.