BPL 2019: 4 retired players to look out for 

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is simply one of the most popular and fan-followed T20 leagues in Bangladesh. Ever since its inception in 2012, it has grown rich in stature and has attracted a lot of overseas superstars.

It has undergone major changes which include the inclusion of the Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time. Also, the number of overseas players in each side has been reduced to four from five.

The 2019 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League is scheduled to start on 5th January 2019. The seven playing teams are Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Dynamites, Comilla Victorians, Chittagong Vikings, Khulna Titans, Rajshahi Kings, and Sylhet Sixers.

While most of the players in Bangladesh Premier League are uncapped or established T20 stars, some of them are retired cricketers. These retired cricketers offer great leadership skills in addition to their significant impact on the next generation cricketers.

Here, we take a look at the retired cricketers to watch out for.

---

#4 Ryan ten Doeschate

T20 Triangular Tournament - MCC, Nepal & Netherlands

Ryan ten Doeschate, the specialist all-rounder, is undoubtedly one of the most talented cricketers produced by the Netherlands. He was roped in by Rajshahi Kings for the 2019 edition of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Doeschate has a splendid record in T20Is as he has scored 6233 runs from 313 matches at a strike-rate of 135.41. Doeschate is very useful with the bat at the lower end of the batting line-up. He can also chip in with some overs during the middle-overs of the game and can reduce the momentum of the opposition with his medium pace and slower balls.

Despite making an international comeback in 2017, he bid adieu to the game in October 2018. Ryan ten Doeschate will look to capitalize on the opportunities he gets in the upcoming league and thus is also one of the top cricketers to watch out for.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest Bangladesh Premier League schedule, scores, stats & previews.

#3 Shahid Afridi

T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium - Day One

Shahid Afridi, the 38-year-old all-rounder from Pakistan, is one of the most prominent names in T20 leagues across the world. He will play for Comilla Victorians in the 2019 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League.

Afridi is an unpredictable cricketer who can turn the match on its head when on song. He is a hard hitter of the ball and can easily dispatch the ball out of the stadium. He is also a great turner of the ball and has stifled even the best batsmen in the world with his leg spin. He also has a great amount of mix and variations in his bowling which has been put to good use to get past the defense of the batsmen.

Despite being 38, his services have come in vital for teams and he will surely play a major part for the Comilla Victorians' this season.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest Bangladesh Premier league Points Table, schedule, stats & previews.

#2 Luke Ronchi

Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors - 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League Tournament Final

Luke Ronchi, the former New Zealand wicket-keeper has become a household name in different T20 leagues. He is clearly one of the most under-rated T20 opening batsman at the moment and currently plies his trade for the Chittagong Vikings in the BPL.

Ronchi has the ability to play till the end of the innings and also keep the scoreboard ticking. He can rotate the strike consistently and is very effective with the glovework as well. Added to that, he is also a great captain and can provide timely leadership qualities and skills.

With him in red-hot form, a lot of fireworks can be expected from him and he is surely one of the top batsmen to look out for. His form will play a crucial role in Chittagong's run this season.

#1 AB de Villiers

2018 Mzansi Super League: Cape Town Blitz v Tshwane Spartans

AB de Villiers, South Africa's legendary cricketer will be a part of Rangpur Riders for the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League. His presence in the squad has surely increased their chances of winning the title and has also boosted the morale of other cricketers.

AB de Villiers is surely one of the top high-profile names to play in the Bangladesh Premier League this season. He is that kind of a player who has the tendency to play the big shots at will and is a 360-degree batsman who can hit the ball all over the ground irrespective of the bowler or the pitch.

With AB de Villiers completely shifting his focus on participating in various T20 leagues across the globe, we could surely expect him to live up to expectations.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the latest Bangladesh Premier league live score, schedule, stats & previews.