Keshav Maharaj is scheduled to arrive in Chattogram on February 13 in time to play the next day

Mohammad Isam11-Feb-2024South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has signed up with BPL franchise Fortune Barishal and is scheduled to arrive in Chattogram on February 13 in time to play their match the next day. It will be Maharaj’s first stint in the BPL.Maharaj, 34, is coming to the BPL a day before South Africa begin the second Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, a series they are trailing 0-1 after a big defeat in Mount Maunganui. The South African Test squad in New Zealand is made up of extremely inexperienced players, with almost all of the regulars playing in the just-completed SA20 back home.Maharaj finished playing the SA20 on February 10, when his side Durban Super Giants lost the final to Sunrisers Eastern Cape. He wouldn’t have been available for the Hamilton Test that begins on February 13 anyway, as Cricket South Africa (CSA) policy stipulates players need a week to acclimatise to venue conditions.It is learned that a few South African players who were involved in the SA20 inquired about the possibility of playing in the final week of the ILT20, but did not request no-objection certificates because CSA was not keen on the idea.Maharaj will also miss the domestic four-day competition that resumes in South Africa this week.Fortune Barishal could do with a bit of help from Maharaj. They have broken into the top four in the points table, and have four important matches remaining in the BPL.