Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana is unlikely to be granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). Sources within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) indicated that the board is prioritizing the 23-year-old’s fitness and international availability over franchise commitments.
While interest in the speedster has reportedly emerged from BBL franchises, including the Adelaide Strikers and a Melbourne-based team, the BCB has yet to receive a formal request. An official noted that even if a request is submitted, approval is improbable given the team’s packed international calendar scheduled between December 12 and January 26.
The board is exercising caution following Rana’s recent recovery from a Grade-2 side strain, an injury that previously sidelined him during the two-match Test series against Australia. “He just recovered from an injury and we need to keep an eye on that as well because his fitness and workload is one of our top priorities,” the official stated.
Rana, who resumed bowling earlier this week, will miss the Asian Games in September. The BCB anticipates his return for the series against Afghanistan in the UAE this October. Following that, Bangladesh will host the West Indies for two Tests as part of the ICC World Test Championship, followed by a full tour of South Africa in November and December, which includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
The schedule remains fluid, as India’s potential six-match white-ball tour, originally slated for September, may be pushed to January. BCB President Tamim Iqbal is still evaluating the feasibility of hosting that series. Additionally, Bangladesh is set to host England for a two-match Test series early next year, further limiting the availability of key players for overseas T20 leagues. The report also notes that we are also seeing in different platforms that some BBL franchises are eager to secure Rana but we have not received any official letter for NOC from him. The report also notes that the board will decide whether he will get the NOC but chances are very slim for him to get the NOC considering the fact we have international commitments,” the official said, if he submits it.
