Shakib Al Hasan bent on rocking Big Bash League

Shakib Al Hasan plans to wrap up his World Cup preparations while playing in the Big Bash League

The Melbourne Renegades of Australia’s domestic Twenty20 cricket league signed the Bangladesh spinning all-rounder on Wednesday, according to the team’s website (www.melbournerenegades.com.au).

The top T20 all-rounder replaced Andre Russell of West Indies to play in the last phase of the tournament. Shakib played for the Adelaide Strikers last term.

Shakib is looking forward to playing for Melbourne and thinks it will help him to prepare better for the World Cup, he said in his Facebook page on Wednesday.

The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be held during February-March next year.

Shakib returned to international cricket in the recent series against Zimbabwe after serving a BCB ban. He was adjudged the best player in the 3-0 Test series rout of Zimbabwe while being named the best bowler in the 5-0 ODI series rout.

Melbourne Renegades head coach Simon Helmot was pleased to have Shakib on board.

“Shakib is great fit for our squad in January and we’re looking forward to having him on board... He brings plenty of experience and cool head under pressure,” Helmot said in the website.

Shakib has asked for the blessings of his fans in playing well for his new team. He will be available to play for Melbourne for the first time in the game against Hobart Hurricanes on Jan 7.