Big Bash calling for Nahid Rana?

Bangladesh speedster Nahid Rana is drawing interest from Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), with franchises eager to secure the pacer for the upcoming edition, sources have confirmed to The Daily Star on Monday.

“There have been contract talks with the Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Renegades,” a source close to the development informed.

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This development aligns with a prediction recently made to this newspaper by former Tigers pace-bowling coach Shaun Tait. Speaking from Adelaide, Tait foresaw the move, stating: “I think maybe Nahid Rana will get a chance to play in the Big Bash or something. I think the Australian public will get to see him during the Big Bash, maybe.”

However, Rana’s participation in the December-January tournament hinges on clearance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The board is currently prioritising the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with the Tigers facing a packed schedule that includes upcoming Test series against the West Indies, South Africa, and England.

Fitness remains the primary hurdle for the young pacer. Rana is currently rehabilitating a side strain that ruled him out of last month's two-match Test series against Australia. Workload management concerns have already prompted selectors to omit him from the upcoming Asian Games squad.

While the speedster has recently resumed progressive bowling, his full recovery remains the immediate focus. Sources close to the development indicate that the BCB has not yet made any official communication to the player regarding a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign franchise leagues. It remains to be seen whether the board will greenlight his Australian stint given the crucial WTC matches ahead.