Top Overseas Players to Watch in BPL 2025 Draft

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The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 Draft concluded on October 14, 2024, marking an exciting prelude to the tournament, set to begin on December 27, 2024. Teams have finalized their squads, including notable international and local players. Among them, several overseas stars stand out for their potential to influence the tournament significantly.

Key Overseas Players in BPL 2025

The draft revealed a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging international talents. Here are five overseas players expected to leave a lasting impression.

1. Saurabh Netravalkar (USA) – Rangpur Riders

Saurabh Netravalkar, the India-born USA pacer, brings top-class skills and consistent form to the Rangpur Riders.

Recent Success: He was the leading wicket-taker in Major League Cricket, claiming 15 wickets in just seven matches.
Key Strength: Netravalkar’s left-arm pace and control in the powerplay overs make him a formidable bowler.
Tournament Impact: His adaptability to conditions in Bangladesh and previous international exposure position him as a crucial player for the Riders.

Key Takeaways:

Netravalkar’s performances in global tournaments have established him as a rising star.
His ability to bowl in tough situations could be pivotal for Rangpur Riders’ success.

2. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – Fortune Barishal

The 26-year-old Sri Lankan batter, Pathum Nissanka, is a reliable and skilled addition to the Fortune Barishal.

Batting Style: Nissanka is known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor innings at the top order.
Partnership Potential: Teaming up with Tamim Iqbal, he strengthens Barishal’s opening combination.
T20 Credentials: With impressive recent performances in T20 leagues, Nissanka can provide stability and aggression when required.

Key Takeaways:

His consistency in international cricket adds value to Barishal’s batting unit.
Nissanka’s adaptability to conditions in Bangladesh could make him one of the top run-scorers.

3. Alex Hales (England) – Rangpur Riders

England’s explosive opener Alex Hales has long been a crowd-puller in T20 cricket. He is set to bolster the Rangpur Riders’ batting lineup.

Power-Hitting Ability: Hales is renowned for his ability to clear boundaries with ease, particularly against spin and medium pace.
Suitability to BPL: The nature of pitches in Bangladesh complements his style of play, allowing him to dominate bowlers in the powerplay.
Experience: His vast experience in global leagues, including the IPL and Big Bash, makes him a valuable asset.

Key Takeaways:

Hales’ attacking approach can change the game in a matter of overs.
Riders will rely on his starts to set up strong totals or chase down challenging targets.

4. Rahkeem Cornwall (West Indies) – Sylhet Strikers

The big-hitting Rahkeem Cornwall is a power-packed addition to the Sylhet Strikers.

Strength and Power: Known for his muscular build, Cornwall can hit sixes at will, posing a nightmare for bowlers.
Utility Player: Apart from his batting, he can contribute with off-spin and fielding in crucial moments.
Untapped Potential: Despite excelling in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Cornwall has yet to debut in T20Is for the West Indies.

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Key Takeaways:

Cornwall’s performances in the BPL could open doors for international recognition.
His ability to turn matches single-handedly makes him a game-changer for the Strikers.

5. Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka) – Dhaka Capital

Veteran all-rounder Thisara Perera is a cornerstone for the Dhaka Capital team.

All-Round Expertise: Perera is equally capable with the bat and ball, excelling in pressure situations.
Recent Form: His standout performances in the Legends League Cricket highlight his continued relevance.
Leadership Role: With years of experience in T20 cricket, Perera brings calmness and tactical acumen to the team.

Key Takeaways:

Perera’s finishing ability and sharp bowling will provide balance to Dhaka’s squad.
His leadership qualities could inspire young players in the team.

Full List of Overseas Players by Teams

Durbar Rajshahi

Saad Nasim
Lahiru Samarakoon

Dhaka Capital

Thisara Perera
Johnson Charles
Shahnawaz Dahani
Mir Hamza
Stephen Eskinezi
Saim Ayub
Amir Hamza

Chittagong Kings

Moeen Ali
Usman Khan
Hyder Ali
Angelo Mathews
Mohammad Wasim Jr
Binura Fernando
Graham Clarke
Thomas O’Connell

Khulna Tigers

Oshane Thomas
Mohammad Hasnain
Lewis Gregory
Mohammad Nawaz

Rangpur Riders

Alex Hales
Khushdil Shah
Allah Ghazanfar
Steven Ryan Taylor
Saurabh Netravalkar
Akif Javed
Curtis Campher

Sylhet Strikers

Paul Stirling
George Mansi
Rahkeem Cornwall
Samiullah Shinwari
Reece Topley

Fortune Barishal

Dawid Malan
Kyle Mayers
Mohammad Nabi
Fahim Ashraf
Ali Mohammad
Khan Jahandad
James Fuller
Pathum Nissanka
Nandre Burger

Why BPL 2025 Promises Excitement

The blend of international stars and local talent ensures that BPL 2025 will be a cricketing spectacle.

Global Attention: With players like Alex Hales, Thisara Perera, and Pathum Nissanka, the tournament has a strong international flavor.
Emerging Stars: Players such as Saurabh Netravalkar bring the potential for breakout performances.
Balanced Teams: The draft has resulted in well-rounded squads, promising competitive matches throughout the tournament.

The BPL 2025 season promises to be thrilling, with several overseas players ready to make their mark. From the power-hitting of Rahkeem Cornwall to the strategic all-round abilities of Thisara Perera, fans are in for a treat. As the countdown begins, all eyes are on December 27, when the cricketing action kicks off in Bangladesh.