Brisbane Heat have bolstered their pace attack in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 by signing Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan as an international replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi. The move comes at a critical stage of the tournament as the Heat look to maintain momentum in the latter half of the season.
The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received official clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is expected to be available for selection in Brisbane Heat’s upcoming clash against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday. His inclusion adds depth and flexibility to the Heat’s bowling unit, particularly in pressure situations.
Interestingly, the fixture will see Zaman Khan face his former franchise. He previously represented Sydney Thunder during the BBL 13 season, where he made an immediate impression with his aggressive bowling style and unorthodox slingy action. In four matches for the Thunder, Zaman picked up eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38, quickly establishing himself as a reliable option at the death.
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Since making his international debut in 2023, Zaman Khan has gradually carved out a role for himself in Pakistan’s white-ball setup. He has featured in 10 T20 Internationals and one One-Day International, collecting seven wickets across formats. While still early in his international career, his performances in franchise leagues have highlighted his potential as a specialist fast bowler.
Zaman arrives in Australia in strong form, having recently delivered a standout performance in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. He made headlines by claiming a hat-trick in his opening match of the tournament, underlining his ability to make an immediate impact. His recent outings suggest he is match-ready and confident heading into the BBL.
Beyond international cricket, Zaman brings valuable experience from several top-tier leagues around the world. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he represents Lahore Qalandars, where he regularly bowls alongside and under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi. He has also featured in England’s The Hundred, turning out for Manchester Originals and adapting to different conditions and formats.
Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha welcomed the signing, expressing confidence that Zaman Khan’s skill set would strengthen the team during key phases of matches.
“He’s a genuine wicket-taker early on, but he also has the ability to control an over with his pace variations,” Botha said. “Zaman adds another dimension to our bowling attack and gives us more options in crucial moments. He made a strong impact when he first emerged and continues to develop his game.”
With Shaheen Afridi sidelined due to injury, Brisbane Heat will be hoping Zaman Khan can provide the cutting edge needed as the competition intensifies and playoff positions come into sharper focus.
