Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has confirmed his services with the Melbourne Renegades in the ongoing KFC Big Bash Twenty20 League 2014-15. The 27-year old will replace West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell, who will join the national side in their tour of South Africa.
The world’s numero uno all-rounder in T20Is, Shakib has penned down a contract with the Renegades for the second half of the Big Bash.
This confirmation means Shakib will feature in Australia’s premier T20 domestic competition for the second year running. The left-arm all-rounder previously played for Adelaide Strikers in the last edition. Renegades head coach Simon Helmot expressed his delight having confirmed Shakib’s services for the second half of the Big Bash.
“Shakib is a great fit for our squad in January,” said Helmot in a press release circulated by the franchise yesterday. “We are looking forward to having him on board.”
Helmot informed that Renegades were looking for someone who could contribute “across the board” and said being able to call on the top-ranked T20 all-rounder in the world is a terrific boost for the Melbourne outfit.
“He brings plenty of experience and has a cool head under pressure,” the 42-year-old added.
Shakib’s confirmation in the Big Bash came after a lot of uncertainty.
On July this year, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had banned Shakib from all forms of cricket and was barred from playing in overseas domestic competitions till the end of next year citing the star cricketer’s severe “attitude” problem.
Both the bans, however, were lifted after the BCB identified a behavioural change in Shakib and the Renegades were quick to pounce in on the situation. Shakib is likely to make his first appearance in Renegades colours in the away match against Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena on January 7.
