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The 2019 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League is set to get underway on 5th January and the tournament will begin with a match between the Rangpur Riders and the Chittagong Vikings on Saturday. This will be the sixth edition of this T20 League which has grown in stature since it started. The Rangpur Riders' star Chris Gayle made the last edition's finals a memorable one after he scored a blistering hundred to lead them to victory against three-time champions Dhaka Dynamites.
The top Bangladeshi players in the tournament are Mashrafe Mortaza (Rangpur Riders), Shakib Al Hasan (Dhaka Dynamites), Mushfiqur Rahim (Chittagong Vikings), Tamim Iqbal (Comilla Victorians), Mahmudullah (Khulna Titans), Mustafizur Rahman (Rajshahi Kings) and Liton Das (Sylhet Sixers).
The Bangladesh Premier League became famous due to the involvement of overseas stars but now it has turned into a talent scout for the Bangladeshi national side.
That being said, there will be an elite group of players joining the roster this year and in this segment, let's take a look at the top five overseas batsmen.
#5 Luke Ronchi (Chittagong Vikings)
Kiwi keeper-batsman Luke Ronchi can be expected to lead the charge for the Chittagong Vikings in the BPL. The veteran last played for the Legends in the T10 League where he didn't have a good time with the bat. But his experience and attacking batting style can certainly help the Vikings this year.
His form in the Pakistan Super League in similar conditions and tournament format can help him outshine some of the bigger names. He is certainly one player to watch out for.
#4 Chris Gayle (Rangpur Riders)
The Caribbean batsman was outstanding for the Riders last year scoring 485 runs in 11 matches averaging a stunning 53.88 and scored two big hundreds. He was understandably retained by the side and will be looking to lead their batting lineup once again this time with a few familiar players around him.
The Rangpur Riders kick off their campaign on Saturday and the 'Universe Boss' will surely be looking to provide some entertainment to cricket fans worldwide.
Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest Bangladesh Premier league Points Table, schedule, stats & previews.
#3 David Warner (Sylhet Sixers)
Aussie star David Warner will feature in the Bangladesh Premier League this year for the Sylhet Sixers. This will be one of the many T20 leagues which he has played after getting banned for a year by the Australian Cricket Board. This will certainly be a major boost for him before rejoining the team as the BPL features more talented and big-name international stars who he 'll have to face on his return.
One of the most devastating and consistent T20 players, Warner's addition seems to give a strong look to the Sixers' roster featuring dangerous batsmen like Nicholas Pooran and bowlers like Sandeep Lamichchane. Warner will certainly be a player to keep an eye on.
#2 Steve Smith (Comilla Victorians)
After a controversial period, the former Aussie skipper was cleared to play in the Bangladesh Premier League by the BCB and all eyes will be on how Steve fares in this tournament. His addition will certainly benefit the Victorians who won the title in 2015.
Smith has been a valuable T20 player with great strokeplay and can single-handedly turn the outcome of the match. In a move which will help both Smith and the popularity of the league, the BPL officials will be delighted to have him on board. He'll certainly be a great add.
#1 AB de Villiers( Rangpur Riders)
Mr. 360 AB de Villiers will join Rangpur Riders set-up in the upcoming BPL. Post his international retirement in 2018, he has played in a couple of T20 Leagues and had a great outing with the Tshwane Spartans in the Mzanzi Super League despite the team failing to do too well.
A household name in T20 cricket, ABD has been one of the most consistent and feared batsman and he certainly has it in him to light up this league. With no international pressure on him, the Proteas legend can score freely and it will be exciting to see how the whole thing pans up. AB de Villiers is undoubtedly someone who you should keep your eye on.
Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest Bangladesh Premier League schedule, scores, stats & previews.
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