The Melbourne Renegades have added highly-rated Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan to their Big Bash League squad.
Al Hasan, No.1 on the ICC’s Twenty20 allrounder rankings, will play for the franchise in the second half of the competition as a replacement for West Indian Andre Russell.
Russell will soon depart to link up with his county’s one-day squad while Al Hasan is expected to make his first appearance for the Renegades against Hobart Hurricanes on January 7.
Left-arm batsman and spinner Al Hasan has played 35 T20 internationals for Bangladesh, averaging 22.78 with the bat at a strike rate of 128.10 and taking 44 wickets.
The 27-year-old is considered amongst the best players the cricketing minnow nation has produced and has played 141 ODIs and 37 Tests.
“Shakib is a great fit for our squad in January and we’re looking forward to having him on board,” Renegades coach Simon Helmot said.
“We were looking for someone who could contribute across the board for us and being able to call on the top ranked T20 all-rounder in the world is a terrific boost.”