The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has added a massive name to its upcoming season as Dhaka Capitals confirmed the appointment of legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar as the team’s mentor. This high-profile signing is paired with a critical announcement from the BCB regarding the tournament’s player auction schedule.
Akhtar’s Role: Brand and Motivation
Dhaka Capitals officials confirmed the news on Thursday, stating they chose the former Pakistan speedster, affectionately known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” primarily for his brand stature and his ability to inspire and motivate the squad.
- Impact: Akhtar, who still holds the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket, will serve as a mentor, a role similar to that of Saeed Ajmal in the previous season.
- Schedule: He is slated to visit the team for a couple of days before the season starts for endorsements, and will return later during the tournament to watch matches and provide specialized guidance to the players, particularly the pace bowling unit.
- Career Note: The 50-year-old retired from international cricket after a career spanning 46 Tests, 163 ODIs, and 15 T20Is, accumulating 444 wickets across the three formats.
BPL Auction Date Finalized
In separate news, the BPL Governing Council of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a change to the tournament’s crucial next phase.
The BPL Players’ Auction 2026 has been rescheduled from its original November 23rd date and will now take place on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Dhaka.
The BCB stated that the new date was set to ensure seamless organization and coordination among all stakeholders, aligning the preparation for the 12th edition of the BPL with international T20 franchise standards.
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