Mustafizur Rahman Joins Melbourne Renegades for First Big Bash Stint

Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is set to play in Australia's Big Bash League for the first time. He will turn out for the Melbourne Renegades, who have signed him as a replacement for injured Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff.

Behrendorff is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Big Bash history. He cannot play this season because of shoulder surgery, and the Melbourne side has chosen the 31-year-old Mustafizur to fill his place.

Mustafizur becomes the third Bangladeshi cricketer to earn a Big Bash contract, after Shakib Al Hasan and Rishad Hossain. Shakib previously played for the Melbourne Renegades and the Adelaide Strikers, while leg-spinner Rishad has signed with the Hobart Hurricanes for a second straight season.

Speaking about the signing, Renegades head coach Luke Ronchi said: 'Mustafizur is a proven match-winner in T20 cricket around the world. He can take wickets both in the powerplay and at the end of the innings, which our bowling attack really needed.'

Ronchi added: 'BBL fans love players who can turn a match in a single over. Mustafizur can do exactly that. Something special can happen with every ball he bowls. Our supporters will enjoy the thrill of his performances all summer.'

In a statement to the club, Mustafizur said: 'I am looking forward to playing in the BBL for the first time with the Melbourne Renegades. Playing at the MCG as a home ground will be something special. I am very excited to join my teammates and help the team with my experience.'

This season marks the 16th edition of the Big Bash. Known internationally as 'The Fizz', Mustafizur has taken more than 400 wickets in T20 cricket around the world, repeatedly surprising batters with his cutters.

The Renegades have also planned something special for Bangladeshi fans to mark his arrival. On January 1 and 16, the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground will host 'The Fizz Bay', a dedicated arrangement for Bangladeshi supporters. The initiative aims to bring red-and-green fans together under one umbrella in the gallery, alongside a special ticket offer — the first 200 family tickets bought with the promo code 'FIZZBAY' for those matches will receive a 50 percent discount.

According to the schedule, the Renegades' first match of the season is on December 12 against the Perth Scorchers. On December 24, Mustafizur's Melbourne Renegades will face Rishad's Hobart Hurricanes, and if all goes to plan, the two Tiger stars will line up against each other that day.

Mustafizur is expected to join the Renegades camp after finishing his ILT20 commitments. Fans in Melbourne are now waiting to see his cutter magic on Australian soil.