Andre Russell Reveals Why He Prefers Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Over Big Bash League (BBL)

The men from the Caribbean make themselves a part of almost every T20 extravaganza taking place in the world. The likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo are a few among the most sought after players in franchise cricket. While the Melbourne Stars from the Big Bash League (BBL) of Australia approached Andre Russell and offered him a contract, the Jamaican all-rounder denied the proposal. Further, when Rajshahi Royals of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) roped him in, Russell pointed out the reason why he prefers BBL over BPL.

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The right-hander has played in both the competitions. In the Big Bash League, he featured for Melbourne Renegades in 2014-15 and Sydney Thunder in 2015-16 to 2016-17. Concerning the Bangladesh Premier League, the Jamaican marauder played for Comilla Victorians, Khulna Royal Bengals, Sylhet Royals, and Dhaka Dynamites.

Andre Russell claimed that playing in BPL is more fun since the time frame is short and allows less time away from home. The 29-year old further claimed that the hospitality and the reception that they receive from the other side of the world is the best and radiates a lot of excitement. He also conceded that in the wake of new rules, new franchises, owners, and teams, he never thought twice before accepting the proposal.

“The tournament [BPL] is more fun and it is shorter and so less time away from home. I get a lot of love here. The hospitality and everything is amazing. You get a warm welcome on this side of the world. I never really think twice. Once I heard this was happening, new rules, new teams, new owners and new franchise. I was interested to be part of it. I wanted to get the ball rolling,” Russell said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Russell honoured to captain the Rajshahi Royals:

The 29-year old would serve as the captain of the Rajshahi Royals after leading the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Carribean Premier League. Russell, who has tasted success as a player in this tournament with Comilla Victorians and Dhaka Dynamites, is aware of the responsibility that comes with captaincy and he is all geared up for the challenge.

“I am honoured to be given the responsibility of leading the team. Regardless, I always look at myself as a player in the heat. I have a very big role in any team I play for. It is going to be something new for me outside the Caribbean. I have led Jamaica Tallawahs before. It will be interesting and I am up for a challenge,” he added.

The Bangladesh-based T20 tournament gets underway on December 11th, with the Chattogram Challengers locking horns with Sylhet Thunder at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Rajshahi Royals kick-start their season against Dhaka Platoon at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on 12th December.

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