The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Comilla Victorians retained right-arm Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah and roped in his companion Zaman Khan for the tenth edition of the marquee league.
Naseem Shah, who represented Comilla Victorians in the previous edition of the BPL, was retained by the franchise for the next edition, scheduled in 2024.
The right-arm pacer recently missed out on making a cut to Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury, which he sustained during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.
Naseem Shah was then subsequently ruled out of the Asia Cup remainder and was replaced by Zaman Khan.
Naseem Shah expressed his disappointment as he penned an emotional note on X, formerly Twitter.
“With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon,” Naseem said.
“Thank you to all my fans for the prayers,” he added.
With a heavy heart, I'm sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I'm disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah's hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon.
Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023
Meanwhile, Comilla Victorians further strengthened their bowling attack by acquiring the services of Pakistan pace prodigy Zaman Khan.
Zaman, famous for his pinpoint yorkers and exceptional death bowling, has played 68 T20s in his blooming career so far, picking up 86 wickets at an average of 22.54 and with best figures of 4-16.
His consistent performances in the franchise leagues powered him to make his international debut for Pakistan during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in March.
The right-arm pacer then made his ODI debut in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2023 when Pakistan took on Sri Lanka in a must-win match to book their spot in the final.
Zaman Khan displayed character and almost pulled off a thrilling victory for Pakistan but Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka denied a dream start to his ODI career.
It is pertinent to mention that the BPL 2024 is anticipated to take place between January and February next year.
READ: Pakistan team awaits Indian visa to participate in ICC World Cup 2023