Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana looks unlikely to be released for the Big Bash League. The tournament runs from December 12 to January 26, a period that clashes with important Bangladesh fixtures.
Interest from BBL clubs
The Adelaide Strikers and a Melbourne-based franchise have reportedly shown interest in signing Rana. The Bangladesh Cricket Board, though, has not yet received a formal NOC application from him. A BCB official told Cricbuzz that if one arrives the board will decide, but that the chances are very slim given international commitments.
Careful return from injury
Rana has just recovered from a Grade-2 side strain that kept him out of Bangladesh’s two-Test series against Australia. He started bowling again in the week of September 8, and the board plans to watch his fitness and workload closely, describing them as a top priority.
He will not play at the Asian Games in September 2026. Bangladesh intend to bring him back during their October series against Afghanistan in the UAE.
A crowded calendar
After the UAE series, Bangladesh host the West Indies for two Tests in October and November, a series that counts towards the World Test Championship. They then tour South Africa for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is across November and December, overlapping with the opening of the BBL.
Given this schedule and his injury management, the BCB is unlikely to let Rana go. The Melbourne franchise has not been officially named.
