BBL teams on high alert as Andre Russel returns to competitive cricket

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russel has served the one-year ban and is set to represent Islamabad United in the 3rd edition of Pakistan Cricket Board’s T20 League, Pakistan Super League (PSL) which kicked-off yesterday.

The all-rounder was part of Sydney Thunder side where he had signed a two-year deal in the Big Bash League. The star player at the moment is not having any BBL deal to his name which means that the franchises are on their toes and would make every attempt the get the Windies player in their side.

Russel announced his return in style when he smashed 76-run knock on his return while playing in West Indies’ Super50 domestic competition. While the Thunder’s are willing to get the all-rounder in their squad, It has been learnt that there could be others who are having a watch on the Jamaica-born Russel.

Played crucial role in T20 leagues

In the 5th edition of the BBL, Russel played a big role when the side lifted the BBL trophy. In India, he won the IPL trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders. He was also part of the squad of the sides in Bangladesh, Pakistan’s T20 leagues which won the trophies.

As a West Indies player, he has helped the side clinch two World T20 titles. He had played 43-run knock of just 20 balls against India in the last edition of World T20 in the semifinal and has helped the side qualify for the finals.

The all-rounder had mentioned earlier that he was really disappointed to miss out the one year but mentioned that he has learned a lot while being off the field. He also revealed that he was helped by his IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders during the ban as they had provided him personal training staff and they had promised to sign him on his return to cricket. KKR then retained the player in the retention program.

It would be interesting to see if the Thunder manage to grab the dynamic all-rounder or he will go to another side for the upcoming season.