Bangladesh Premier League 2017: Best XI of Overseas players

There was a time when the County cricket was everyone’s favorite destination during a break, but the T20 Leagues have replaced them big time. After watching India, Australia, and few other countries succeed, Bangladesh too has created their own League and tasted success. In a cricket frenzy country like Bangladesh, it comes as no surprise that the BPL was so successful and though it had its fair share of controversies, they are moving ahead.

The Tigers boast of having some match-winners in the shortest format like Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riad. Over the last couple of years, they’ve taken giant strides in the Limited overs format. Their triumphs in the ODIs specifically have been mind-boggling and they’ve been decent in the T20s as well.

All this has earned them a great name in the fraternity and is able to attract some really big players in the world currently. Players from England, South Africa, West Indies and Pakistan will be gracing the tournament and their presence will only add up to the glory of the League. Here’s a list of the best overseas XI from the current edition of BPL.

1) Evin Lewis (Dhaka Dynamites)

Arguably the most talented and eye-catching youngster in the fraternity, Evin Lewis will be quite an attraction in the League. He will be representing the Dhaka Dynamites and will be accompanied by some big names like Shahid Afridi, Shane Watson, and Shakib Al Hasan. The swashbuckling southpaw has been attracting a lot of clubs off-late and it’ll be interesting to see how he will fare.

2) Chris Gayle (Dhaka Dynamites)

Accompanying him in the opening department will be his Windies companion and the King of T20 Cricket Chris Gayle. No matter where he goes, Chris Gayle is quite a crowd puller across the globe and he will be with the Rangpur Riders this edition and over the years, his record in BPL has been decent. If he clicks, the tournament will be lit on fire.

3) Kumar Sangakkara (Dhaka Dynamites)

One of the legends of Lankan cricket, Kumar Sangakkara and his exploits across all the formats is not unknown to anyone. The second highest run scorer in International cricket will be representing Dhaka Dynamites under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan. Though it’s been some time since he’s retired, he’ll definitely​be a big part of the mst successful franchise in BPL history.

4) Babar Azam (Sylhet Sixers)

The next big thing in Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam will be representing the returning club Sylhet Sixers. Azam’s T20 record has been below par, but the lad is one of the finest talents in world cricket. A little nourishment and he can become one of Pakistan’s all-time great. Azam’s presence will be a big boost for the club and he will be the heart of their batting lineup.

5) Lendl Simmons (Rajshahi Kings)

Lendl Simmons is one of the most under-rated cricketers in the world, but over the years, he has played some unbelievable innings. Who can forget his exploits in the World T20 semi-final against India, which averted the hosts a well-deserved place in the final. Simmons is definitely a huge asset to the Rajshahi Kings and he makes it to this elite.

6) Jos Buttler (Comilla Victorians)

The English wicket-keeping batsman Jos Buttler is well known for his power hitting and the ability to destroy batting lineups. He will be one of the few English International cricketers to take part in this tournament and is quite an asset to the reputation of the League. Buttler will be representing Comilla Victorians and will be accompanied by some other big names like Hasan Ali, Colin Munro, Shoaib Malik etc.

7) Mohammad Nabi (Comilla Victorians)

The pride of Afghan cricket, Mohammad Nabi made a great name for himself in the fraternity. Nabi’s all-round ability is such an asset to any side and over the years, he has been a pivotal contributor both with the bat and ball for his national side. He is completely boosted after their side received the Test status and a pumped-up Nabi will only add more fire-power to the Comilla franchise.

8) Shadab Khan (Khulna Titans)

One of the best leg-spinners in the World currently, the teenage sensation from Pakistan Shadab Khan was bought by Khulna Titans in the auction. Not just with the ball, he has been contributing well with the bat as well and can be useful in the Lower-middle. His national side skipper Sarfraz Ahmed is also a part of their team and his contribution will have a huge say in their side’s success.

9) Rashid Khan (Rangpur Riders)

How can the most famous Afghan cricketer miss out on this elite list? Rashid Khan was on the World map with his sensational performances for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. The leg-spinner is stringent with his lines and barely gives away any runs. Rangpur Riders will be his club for this edition and will play almost every game for the club.

10) Mohammad Amir (Dhaka Dynamites)

The steamy pacer from the home of legendary fast bowlers, Mohammad Amir has been Pakistan’s backbone ever since he made his comeback after serving a ban. He will be representing the 3-time champions Dhaka Dynamites and his addition makes them way too strong for the other teams. Amir will be accompanied by some big names like Shane Watson, Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan and Evin Lewis.

11) Hasan Ali (Comilla Victorians)

Arguably the most wanted fast bowler in the world, Hasan Ali and his brilliance in the death overs is no unknown story any longer. The world number one bowler in ODIs has been sensational in every department for his side and whenever the captain throws him the ball, he delivers. Comilla Victorians will be ecstatic with the lad’s addition and their bowling looks all sorted for the tournament.