All-rounder relishes Bangladesh opportunity

The Hampshire all-rounder will link up with former Ageas Bowl team-mate Shahid Afridi as he prepares for the launch of the twenty20 competition on Friday.

World stars such as Chris Gayle and Kumar Sangakkara are also involved, while Ravi Bopara is among the other English players taking part.

Dawson, 26, will be available for the entire competition, which climaxes on Friday, December 9.

And he is relishing the opportunity.

Dawson said: ‘I’m really looking forward to joining up with Rangpur Riders.

‘The competition starts in just a few days.

‘Shahid Afridi is in the team, too, so it’ll be good to go in there and know him from his time at Hampshire.

‘It’s going to be a good challenge.

‘There are some very good overseas players in the competition, so it will be hard work from a cricket point of view.

‘But hopefully I can put in some good performances and do myself proud.’

Dawson has recently returned from Bangladesh following his involvement in England’s 50-over series-victory.

He scored 299 runs and took 22 wickets in twenty20 cricket last summer.

Afridi will captain the Riders.