Bangladesh’s in-form pacer Taskin Ahmed, who has been delivering stellar performances across formats, is on the radar for a Pakistan Super League (PSL) stint.
Former Pakistan international Ijaz Ahmed, now head coach of Durbar Rajshahi, revealed that he recommended Taskin to Lahore Qalandars for this year’s PSL.
Taskin wrapped up 2024 as Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker, with 63 international scalps at an impressive average of 19.23.
The 29-year-old has started 2025 in dominant fashion, claiming a historic 7 for 19 against Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on January 2 while representing Durbar Rajshahi. This remarkable feat made him only the third bowler in men’s T20 history to achieve a seven-wicket haul and set a new record for the best bowling figures in BPL, surpassing Mohammad Amir's 6 for 17 in 2020.
Taskin currently leads the tournament’s wicket-takers chart with 12 wickets at an average of 8.25.
Ijaz, who previously worked with Lahore Qalandars, emphasized Taskin’s potential to make an impact in PSL.
“I’ve recommended him to Lahore Qalandars,” Ijaz said.
“So definitely, they like him, they are seeing BPL. So hopefully he will go there and he will get more experience playing in the PSL. We will have more time to talk to him.”
Highlighting Taskin’s value, Ijaz added, “He is a genuine fast bowler, strike bowler. If you have someone like him, you need to use him for taking wickets, breaking partnerships. There is a time to bring these guys into the attack, especially when the other team is going well and you need a partnership breaker, at that time you bring someone like Taskin who changes the momentum of the game. Couple of wickets and pressure comes and then anything can happen. Taskin is that kind of bowler to my eyes. He is a good lad and bowls really well and I hope he plays for Bangladesh consistently.”
Taskin himself is optimistic about using franchise cricket to enhance his skills. With the PSL draft rescheduled for January 13 at Huzoori Bagh, Lahore Fort, Taskin shared his excitement.
“I’ve heard about it, and even Haris (Mohammad Haris, a Pakistani cricketer playing for Rajshahi) mentioned it. He said he’d recommend me to Peshawar Zalmi. Let’s see what happens on the 13th,” Taskin said.
Taskin, who participated in the Zimbabwe T10 League and the Sri Lanka Premier League last year, has previously received multiple offers to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s premier T20 tournament.
He also had an opportunity to play county cricket but was unable to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the cricket board due to concerns over workload management and international commitments.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
