Bangladesh Premier League is more ‘fun’ than Big Bash League

West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell revealed that the Bangladesh Premier League is ‘more fun’ and ‘shorter’ than its Australian cousin, the Big Bash League.

Andre Russell, a regular in the domestic T20 leagues around the world, has also been appointed as the skipper of Bangladesh Premier League franchise Rajshahi Royals for the 2019-20 edition. He feels that the league is more ‘fun’ than the Australian Big Bash League and also reveals why he was keen on coming back for yet another year.

"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," said Russell as reported by Cricbuzz.

His relationship with the league is not unknown, having already won the title with Comilla Victorians and Dhaka Dynamites before. Russell has previously been given similar responsibility during for Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean. He opined that his new role in the BPL will be interesting and he is 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,” added the West Indian.

Meanwhile, players like Hazratullah Zazai, Ravi Bopara and Shoaib Malik will be playing under his leadership. Even though he feels that they do not have the best squad, the Royals have a ‘good’ one on paper and a balanced one.

"I won't say we have the best squad but we have a good team on paper. It is a good start for any captain, coach and any team. We want to use the experience of each player, which will put us in the right foot. We have a few good local talents. I have been watching videos, seeing what they can do. We have a balanced squad including local and international fast bowlers. We have good options," said Russell.