Star power influx as BPL enters business end

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 is set for a glamorous surge as it enters its knockout phase today, with franchises racing to strengthen their squads through high-profile international signings as the title race intensifies.

Sylhet Titans, who finished fourth in the league stage with 10 points from 10 matches, received a major boost ahead of their eliminator against Rangpur Riders in Mirpur after securing the services of English wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings, who joined the squad yesterday.

His availability, Sylhet said in a press release, adds “experience and tactical depth” at a time when “clarity, composure and execution matter most”.

Billings, who recently represented Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, follows the signing of English pacer Chris Woakes for the knockout stages, further strengthening Sylhet’s overseas contingent already boasting the likes of Moeen Ali, Ethan Brooks and Salman Irshad.

“We’ve got a great team, a lot of bases covered,” Brooks told reporters, adding that confidence is high as the side looks to get the job done.

Meanwhile, league leaders Rajshahi Warriors, up against Chattogram Royals in the first qualifier today, are eyeing what could be the biggest signing of the tournament, with New Zealand batter Kane Williamson a potential late addition.

Williamson, currently with Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20, may join depending on Durban’s elimination and Rajshahi’s progress in the BPL.

“We’re looking for a middle-order batter, and Williamson fits perfectly,” a Rajshahi official told The Daily Star, adding that they hope to have him for at least one match.

New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham, who has extended his contract with Rajshahi for the full season, also sounded optimistic.

“We speak pretty regularly and have spoken in the last few days about him coming over for the back end of the competition,” Neesham said.

“He is still involved with the SA20 currently, so a couple of results have to eventuate for that to happen, but fingers crossed we can get him into Bangladesh.”

Apart from Neesham, Rajshahi’s squad currently includes Sahibzada Farhan, Ryan Burl, Binura Fernando, Hussain Talat, Sandeep Lamichhane and Jahandad Khan.

Meanwhile, officials from Rangpur and Chattogram confirmed they are not planning to bring in any new foreign players for the playoffs and will rely on their existing squads for today’s matches.

As the BPL enters its most decisive stretch, the stakes are rising, the spotlight is sharpening, and the star power is only getting brighter. With international names flying in and finals dreams on the line, the business end of the tournament promises drama, flair and high-octane cricket -- exactly what the competition was meant to offer.