The Brisbane Heat have officially secured Pakistani fast bowler Zaman Khan as a replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi for the remainder of the Big Bash League season.
The franchise confirmed on Friday that Khan has been cleared as an international replacement and is expected to debut in Saturday’s clash against the Sydney Thunder.
The twenty-three-year-old pacer is no stranger to the tournament, having previously claimed eight wickets in four matches for the Sydney Thunder during the thirteenth edition of the league.
His impressive average of 16.38 during that stint highlights his ability to adapt quickly to Australian conditions and deliver impactful performances under pressure.
Zaman Khan brings a wealth of short-format experience to the squad, having represented Pakistan in ten T20 Internationals and one One Day International so far.
In the domestic circuit, he is a vital member of the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, where he plays under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi.
His recent form has been exceptional, particularly in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he made headlines by securing a hat-trick in his very first match.
This global experience includes stints in England’s The Hundred with the Manchester Originals, making him a seasoned campaigner in high-stakes franchise cricket leagues.
Head coach Johan Botha emphasized that Khan’s inclusion provides the bowling attack with much-needed depth and a unique point of difference for the upcoming matches. Botha believes that Khan’s unconventional slinging action and raw pace will be crucial in taking wickets with the new ball and controlling the death overs.
The Brisbane Heat are currently focused on a high-stakes encounter against the Sydney Sixers in Coffs Harbour as they fight for a spot in the top four.
Following today’s fixture, the team will return to Brisbane to finalize their preparations for the highly anticipated match at the Gabba this Saturday.
