Noakhali hit by setback on the eve of the BPL, Kusal Mendis ruled out

Just moments before the excitement of the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) gets underway, worrying news has emerged from the Noakhali Express camp. Ahead of the tournament, the franchise has lost its most talked-about overseas signing, Kusal Mendis.
The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter will not be able to take part in this year’s BPL due to health complications. For the same reason, he has also been ruled out of the ongoing ILT20. Reports say Mendis underwent emergency surgery in Dubai last week after doctors detected a stone in his urinary bladder, making immediate medical intervention necessary.
Although the surgery was successful, he has been advised complete rest for now. As a result, there is still no clear timeline for his return to competitive cricket. This uncertainty has ultimately forced him to miss both the ILT20 and the BPL.
Earlier, on December 10, Mendis had played one match for Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20. However, as his physical condition worsened during the tournament, he was taken under immediate medical care.
A regular feature in major franchise leagues around the world, including the IPL and PSL, Mendis’s absence is being viewed as a significant blow for Noakhali Express. The big question now is who the franchise will bring in as his replacement at such short notice. Time is running out, as Noakhali Express are set to begin their BPL campaign against Chattogram Royals in the second match on the opening day next Friday.