THE defending champions, Rangpur Riders, have officially named their squad for the highly-anticipated 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from 10 to 18 July.

In 2024, the Rangpur Riders were without a point after their first three matches, but found their form and eventually won their last three contests to emerge champions.

With a combination of dynamic batting, disciplined bowling, and strong leadership, the Riders proved to be deserving champions of an action-packed competition.

The Rangpur Riders, one of the leading franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), bring a rich pedigree to the GSL. Having won the BPL championship in 2017, the Riders have consistently been a playoff contender over the last three seasons, showcasing their reputation for excellence and resilience.

The Riders are eager to defend their GSL title, and have retained key players to help their cause. The defending champions will once again be led by inspirational captain Nurul Hasan. The tournament’s leading run scorer in the inaugural season, Soumya Sarkar is back, as is Kamrul Islam Rabbi, who spearheaded the bowling attack.

To aid the local stars, the Riders have included West Indian top-order batter Kyle Mayers, South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed, and Afghanistan’s top order batter Abrahim Zadran.

The squad reflects a good mixture of youth and experience, with an eye on the conditions.

The Rangpur Riders squad is as follows: Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim, Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay