In a major roster shake-up ahead of the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has signed with Chittagong Kings, reuniting with the franchise he has represented in past seasons. Shakib’s shift follows his departure from Rangpur Riders, with whom he had signed a two-year contract in 2024 before the mutual termination of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s current captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has joined Fortune Barishal, marking his return to the franchise he played for in 2022 after stints with the Sylhet Strikers in 2023 and 2024.
Shakib Al Hasan Commits to BPL Amid Security Concerns
Despite ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, 37-year-old Shakib has committed to Chittagong Kings for the upcoming season. During the BPL 2025 draft, held on October 14, Chittagong Kings signed Shakib and fast bowler Shoriful Islam directly. Notably, the team has also added Shakib’s former on-field adversary, Angelo Mathews, as an international signing.
Here’s a look at the Chittagong Kings squad for BPL 2025 so far:
Chittagong Kings: Shamim Hossain, Parvez Hossain Emon, Khaled Ahmed, Aliss Al Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Naeem Islam, Maruf Mridha, Rahatul Ferdous Javed, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Marshall Ayub, Graham Clarke, Thomas O’Connell, Moeen Ali, Usman Khan, Haider Ali, Angelo Mathews, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Binura Fernando.
Fortune Barishal Builds a Competitive Team After BPL Draft
BPL 2025 Set to Collide with Big Bash League
With BPL 2025 expected to kick off in late December or early January, a segment of the tournament may overlap with the latter part of the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) season. The clash could bring challenges for player availability, as both leagues attract top international talent.
