New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The talented Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain is thrilled at the prospect of being coached by Australian cricket icon Ricky Ponting as he gears up for his inaugural season in the Big Bash League (BBL 15) with the Hobart Hurricanes. After recently completing a white-ball series against Afghanistan, Hossain has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), allowing him to participate for the entire tournament, which kicks off on December 14.

Rishad shared his enthusiasm during a Zoom call with reporters on Monday, stating, “Ponting was one of my favourite players while growing up; I admired his gameplay. I can’t wait to work alongside him.” He emphasized his eagerness not just to play but to learn under Ponting’s guidance.

Familiar to Hurricanes supporters after being drafted last year in the BBL 14, Hossain was unable to participate due to commitments in the Bangladesh Premier League.

At just 22 years old, Hossain made a significant impact during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where he took 14 wickets across seven matches for Bangladesh, just a year after his debut.

When discussing his involvement in overseas franchise leagues, Hossain pointed out that these experiences would be crucial for enhancing his skills. “I asked myself how I could better my game. Participating in these leagues will be beneficial for me. Playing at different venues, including my dream grounds, excites me,” he noted.

As a leg-spinner, he sees these foreign leagues as an excellent opportunity for personal growth and skill enhancement. “These leagues have a lot to offer. Many top players participate, and I hope to gain invaluable knowledge and experience from them,” he concluded.