The star factor for the 2018-19 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) just went up a notch with the Rangpur Riders managing to secure the services of AB de Villiers.
The South African ace has become the franchise’s second overseas signing outside the player draft which is set to be held on Sunday. England batsman Alex Hales joined as the Riders first overseas signing earlier this month.
De Villiers and Hales will be joined by West Indies stalwart Chris Gayle who was retained by the franchise following his starring displays last season.
The Rangpur Riders are the second T20 franchise De Villiers has joined since he retired from all forms of international cricket earlier this year.
The Proteas batsman is set to make his return from a six-month break of cricket with the Tshwane Spartans in the inaugural Mzansi Super League next month.
The announcement of De Villiers’ signing comes on the heels of David Warner’s induction to the league. The Australian batsman will turn out for the Sylhet Sixers alongside Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.
All eyes will now be on Sunday’s player draft where the likes of Shahid Afridi, Evin Lewis, Mohammad Hafeez, Faheem Ashraf and Lasith Malinga will be up for bidding.
The BPL is set to get underway on January 5 next year.
