Published: Sep 20, 2019, 09:35 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 20, 2019, 09:35 AM (IST)
Brisbane Heat has singed Afghanistan wristspinner Zahir Khan for the Big Bash League 2019. Zahir joins Afghanistan teammate Mujeeb Ur Rahman at the franchise after Heat decided to renew the left-arm spinner’s contract, after his tally of 12 wickets during the last season. His average of 6.04 was the best by any bowler in the season.
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Zahir is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League for Jamaica Tallawahs where he’s claimed five wickets from four matches so far. Zahir has already had the experience of playing a major T20 League tournament, having turned up for Lancashire in the T20 Blast. He also starred for Afghanistan’s famous 224-run win against Bangladesh in a Test picking up 3/59 and claiming 5/24 against the Bangladesh XI in a practice game.
“This is a very exciting thing for me, especially to be joining the team where my good friend Mujeeb played last year,” Zahir said. “He told me great things about Brisbane Heat, so I am looking forward to this challenge so much.”
Under the new ruled, the a BBL franchise is allowed to sign six overseas players for a season. Two more spinners from Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Qais Ahmad are already representing the Adelaide Strikers and coach Darren Lehmann is pleased to see another Afghanistan cricketer rising through the ranks.
“The new BBL contracting rules this season gave us some flexibility to work with them on any potential commitments around our tournament and we are very happy to have them joining us,” he said.
“I think the arrival of Afghanistan in international cricket has been one of the best things to happen to the game in recent years, and it is a real joy to see players like Mujeeb and Zahir grow in stature for their country and show their skills around the world.”
