Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud has signed for Kent Spitfires in England's Vitality Blast following an impressive debut in the County Championship last month. Kent Cricket confirmed that Hasan will be available for the club's final three group-stage matches as they bid to secure a place in the knockout phase of the T20 competition.
Impressive Debut
The 25-year-old Hasan Mahmud created a significant impression in his two Rothesay County Championship appearances for Kent this summer, taking 12 wickets in just two matches, including first-class career-best figures of 6-69 in a Player of the Match performance against Lancashire at Blackpool.
Historical Significance
Hasan Mahmud becomes only the second Bangladeshi fast bowler to feature in the Vitality Blast after Mustafizur Rahman, who represented Sussex in 2016. He is also set to become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play for Kent Spitfires in the tournament. Additionally, he holds the accolade of being the first Bangladesh international to play for Kent in the County Championship and now in the T20 competition.
International Experience
Hasan Mahmud has made 26 International T20 appearances for Bangladesh, taking 28 wickets at an average of 24.75. His international experience and proven T20 skills make him a valuable addition to the Kent Spitfires squad.
Kent's Director of Cricket Comments
Kent’s Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, expressed his delight at Hasan's availability for T20 selection. "He has an immense T20 pedigree alongside his first-class skillset, and his willingness to help the team after we lost the services of Dian Forrester to Major League Cricket shows that he will be a valuable addition in an important stage of the competition," Cook said.
Hasan's Commitment
On returning early for three Vitality T20 Blast matches, Hasan said, "I have loved my time at Kent so far and when the opportunity came up for me to come back and contribute in the Vitality Blast, I didn’t hesitate. They’re three crucial games, and I’ll give my best to help Kent qualify for the knockout stages. On a personal level, I thank Kent for putting their trust in me. I see it as a great opportunity to perform in one of the best T20 competitions and hopefully push myself for a return to white ball cricket for Bangladesh."
Upcoming Matches
Hasan will be available for selection in Kent’s next match away at Hampshire Hawks, as well as the Spitfires’ two home matches to conclude the Group Stage of the tournament – at home to Surrey on Friday 10 July and to Middlesex on Sunday 12 July.
