Former Pakistan fast bowler and one of the most feared pacers in world cricket, Shoaib Akhtar, is all set to begin a new chapter in his cricket career. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Dhaka Capitals has officially appointed Akhtar as their team mentor for the upcoming BPL 2026 season.
This marks the first time that Shoaib Akhtar will be involved in any role in the Bangladesh Premier League, despite previously working with different T20 leagues across the world.
Why Dhaka Capitals Chose Shoaib Akhtar
Dhaka Capitals CEO Atiq Fahad confirmed the development, stating two major reasons for selecting Akhtar:
- His massive global brand value
- His ability to motivate and guide young players
According to Fahad, Akhtar presence will add strength to the dressing room. His aggressive mindset, discipline, and experience of bowling at extreme pace can inspire the next generation of Bangladeshi fast bowlers.
Akhtar’s Hybrid Role for the Season
Shoaib Akhtar will work in a hybrid role, similar to what the franchise offered former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal in the previous season.
His role will include:
- Joining the team for a few days before the season for promotional commitments
- Appearing in franchise advertisements and brand engagements
- Returning during the league to watch matches
- Providing on-field and off-field guidance to players
- Mentoring young fast bowlers and sharpening their mindset
The franchise believes that even part-time involvement from a superstar like Akhtar can have a strong impact on team culture and performance.
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Akhtar International Legacy
The cricketing world still remembers Shoaib Akhtar as the “Rawalpindi Express”, famous for bowling the fastest ball in cricket history (161.3 kmph).
His International Career in Numbers:
- 46 Test matches
- 163 ODIs
- 15 T20Is
- Total wickets: 444
- Most feared weapon: Extreme pace + aggressive attitude
His rich experience makes him an ideal mentor for a T20 league where bowlers often struggle against power-hitting.
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BPL 2026 Auction Date Rescheduled
Along with Akhtar’s appointment, the BPL governing council also announced a change in the auction date for the 2026 season.
Updated Auction Schedule
- New Date: 30 November 2025
- Time: 3 PM
- Venue: Grand Ballroom, Radisson Blu Dhaka
- Earlier Planned Date: 23 November
The change was made to ensure smoother coordination between all stakeholders and better tournament preparation.
With the arrival of Shoaib Akhtar, Dhaka Capitals have made one of the most high-profile appointments ahead of BPL 2026. His aggressive cricketing mindset, world-class experience, and leadership qualities are expected to play a major role in shaping the team’s performance. As the auction gets closer, fans eagerly wait to see how the franchise uses his guidance to build a strong squad for the upcoming season.
