Global cricket superstars Shakib Al Hasan and Rashid Khan are set to play under one banner, representing the same team in a popular franchise league. The Abu Dhabi T10 League's franchise, Bangla Tigers, has stunned the cricket world by signing both all-rounders. Shakib will feature as the team's icon player, while Rashid joins in the platinum category.

Shakib is no stranger to the Bangla Tigers, having played for them in previous editions. However, fans were pleasantly surprised when Rashid Khan was added to the squad. Like Shakib, Rashid is a big name in franchise cricket, with an impressive record in leagues across the globe. Under Rashid’s leadership, Afghanistan reached the semifinals of the most recent T20 World Cup, further enhancing his global appeal.

Shakib’s preparation for the Abu Dhabi T10 League includes a stint in the USA’s National Cricket League T10, where he is currently leading the Los Angeles Waves. With Shakib’s experience and leadership, it is speculated that he might even captain the Bangla Tigers. By signing him as an icon player, the Bangla Tigers have made a strategic move to bolster their lineup.

The Bangla Tigers, owned by Bangladeshi investors, have made a name for themselves in various leagues around the world. Their journey began with the Abu Dhabi T10 League, and since then, they’ve participated in the Lanka Premier League as the Hambantota Bangla Tigers, the Zim Afro T10 as the Joburg Bangla Tigers, and the Global T20 Canada as Mississauga Bangla Tigers.

The 2024 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League will kick off on November 21 and conclude on December 2. The defending champions are the New York Strikers, while the Bangla Tigers have yet to win a title. Their best finish was third place in 2019, followed by fifth in 2021, fourth in 2021-22, and a disappointing eighth in 2022. In the most recent edition of 2023, they secured fourth place once again.