After a breakout performance in the Emerging Asia Cup, Afghanistan batter Sediqullah Atal has officially joined the Rangpur Riders for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season. Known for his explosive left-handed batting style, Atal gained significant attention with his consistent scoring, especially his standout 95 off 55 balls against Bangladesh A, a crucial knock that led Afghanistan to victory.

In a Facebook post welcoming Atal, Rangpur Riders shared a highlight reel from his brilliant innings against Bangladesh A, saying, “Welcoming Sediqullah Atal to the Rangpur Riders family! Get ready for a thrilling season ahead.”

The 23-year-old left-hander made waves in the Emerging Asia Cup, hitting scores of 52, 95, and 83 runs across three matches. His dependable batting was instrumental in Afghanistan’s successful campaign, leading them to the semifinals. Atal has also represented Afghanistan in six T20Is, showcasing his versatility and match-winning potential. Additionally, he has been named in Afghanistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh in Sharjah next month.

Atal is not new to impressive feats; last year, he set a record by hitting seven sixes in a single over during a Kabul Premier League game, where he also scored a century. This dynamic talent joins a well-rounded Rangpur Riders team featuring international players like Alex Hales, Khushdil Shah, and Curtis Campher, alongside top Bangladeshi players Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Mahedi Hasan. The team’s head coach for this season will be Mickey Arthur.

Rangpur Riders: Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nahid Rana, Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Rakibul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Irfan Sukkur, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Tawfique Khan Tushar, Alex Hales, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Allah Ghazanfar, Steven Taylor, Saurabh Netravalkar, Akif Javed, Curtis Campher, Sediqullah Atal.