Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud has been rewarded for an outstanding start to his county career with a place in Kent’s squad for the Vitality T20 Blast, handing the 26-year-old a valuable opportunity to revive his prospects of returning to Bangladesh’s white-ball side.
Kent confirmed on Saturday that Hasan has been included in the squad for three Vitality Blast matches. His participation, however, remains subject to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The selection represents the latest milestone in Hasan’s growing career and comes on the back of a remarkable introduction to English county cricket.
The right-arm seamer made an immediate impact after joining Kent for the County Championship. On his debut against Lancashire, he claimed nine wickets in the match—the best first-class match figures of his career—and played a decisive role in Kent’s victory. He followed that memorable performance with another three wickets in his next Championship appearance, reinforcing his reputation as a bowler capable of adapting quickly to unfamiliar conditions.
His impressive red-ball performances have now earned him an opportunity to prove himself in the shortest format of the game.
Hasan travelled directly to England after Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe instead of returning home, allowing him to maximise his county stint. The upcoming Vitality Blast fixtures will also mark the first time he has featured in an overseas domestic or franchise Twenty20 competition.
If the BCB grants the required clearance, Hasan is expected to make his Vitality Blast debut against Hampshire on Sunday. He is also in line to play Kent’s remaining scheduled fixtures against Surrey and Middlesex, with the latter match due to take place on 12 July.
His inclusion makes him only the fourth Bangladeshi cricketer to feature in England’s premier domestic T20 tournament. Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mustafizur Rahman are the only other Bangladesh players to have represented English counties in the competition, reflecting the limited but notable Bangladeshi presence in the Vitality Blast over the years.
The opportunity comes at a particularly significant point in Hasan’s international career.
Although he remains part of Bangladesh’s Test plans, he has not played a Twenty20 International for the national team over the past year. A productive spell with Kent could strengthen his case for a recall to Bangladesh’s white-ball squads as the selectors continue assessing their pace-bowling options for upcoming international assignments.
Hasan has already demonstrated his credentials in T20 cricket. In 26 appearances for Bangladesh, he has taken 28 wickets, establishing himself as a dependable pace bowler capable of making breakthroughs with the new ball while maintaining control during the middle overs.
His most recent domestic T20 campaign further highlighted his value. Playing for Noakhali Express in the latest Bangladesh Premier League, Hasan collected 16 wickets in 10 matches and maintained an impressive economy rate of just six runs per over. His disciplined bowling and consistent wicket-taking ability made him one of the standout fast bowlers in the tournament.
Kent will be hoping he can carry that form into the Vitality Blast as the competition reaches a crucial stage. With qualification for the knockout rounds still at stake, every remaining group match has added importance, increasing the value of experienced performers capable of making an immediate impact.
In a statement released by Kent, Hasan expressed his delight at returning to the county and his eagerness to contribute in the T20 competition.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Kent and I’m delighted to be back with the opportunity to contribute in the Vitality Blast,” he said. “We have three important matches ahead of us, and I want to give my very best to help the team reach the knockout stages.”
The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Hasan Mahmud. A successful run in one of the world’s most competitive domestic Twenty20 tournaments would not only enhance Kent’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage but could also strengthen his credentials for a return to Bangladesh’s white-ball set-up. After making a memorable impression in county cricket with the red ball, he now has the opportunity to show that his skills are equally effective in the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket.