Rishad Hossain excited for PSL experience

Bangladesh's young leg spinner Rishad Hossain is excited to finally make it to a franchise-based T20 tournament abroad.

Rishad, who earned the spotlight after his noteworthy performance in the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup where he scalped 14 wickets, was picked by Toronto Nationals in the Global T20 Canada as well as by Hobart Hurricanes for the Big Bash League 2024-25. However, he missed out on both occasions. He could not reach Canada due to visa complications while his Bangladesh Premier League franchise Fortune Barishal did not provide him a No-Objection Certificate to play in Australia as dates of both the tournaments clashed.

But third time's the charm for Rishad, as Bangladesh Cricket Board has granted him an NOC for the full season of the upcoming Pakistan Super League where he has been picked by two-time champions Lahore Qalandars.

"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 Cricbuzz on Saturday.

"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.

"Getting a chance on any franchise side of PSL certainly gives you a great pleasure and I am no exception so I'm really feeling happy to be part of the tournament," he said.

"Actually, we are a very good side. Normally, it's difficult to get into a side like this and now my major focus is to adjust to the team as early as possible," he said regarding his team that includes players like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings and Fakhar Zaman.

Rishad, who will fly to Pakistan on March 7, is expected to reunite with former national team head coach Russell Domingo, who is at the helm at Lahore Qalandars.

"I think it will be helpful for me to have him (Domingo) around as he is well aware what I am capable of and what he is expecting from me while I also know what I need to do to fulfill his expectations. It's always nice to find a familiar face in the dressing room," Rishad said.

Rishad is aware of how batting-friendly the pitches can be in Pakistan, but feels there's still scope for bowlers to be successful.

"I know the wickets are batting friendly over there in Pakistan but at the same time if you can bowl using your head you can be successful. I hope the experience of playing in such a league will help me in the future," he said.