Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan signs on as the Heat confirm Samuel Badree won’t return for BBL|07.
Brisbane Heat have lured teenage leg-spin sensation Shadab Khan to the club for the upcoming KFC BBL season.
The Pakistani, who picked up 10 wickets at an average of 7.50 in a stunning debut T20I series against the West Indies earlier this year, has joined Kiwi Brendon McCullum as the Heat’s two imports for this summer.
The 18-year-old, who was a part of Pakistan’s triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign in June, is currently playing alongside McCullum for Trinbago in the Caribbean Premier League and the New Zealand legend has sent rave reviews back to his former international teammate, Heat coach Daniel Vettori.
“He is one of the most dynamic young spinners in the game and will fit nicely into the style of play that we want to employ this summer,” Vettori said of Shadab.
“I know Brendon has been highly impressed with him as a teammate in the CPL and we’re looking forward to working with him when he arrives.”
The signing of Shadab means West Indian leg-spinner Samuel Badree will not return to the Heat for BBL|07.
Having impressed in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year, Shadab was handed his first taste of international cricket on Pakistan’s tour of the Caribbean in March and April.
His return of 3-7 from four overs in his first T20 match was the most economical figures ever by a player on debut and his haul of 4-14 in the second game made it two player-of-the-match awards from as many games.
Overall, he has 36 wickets in T20s from 23 matches at an average of 14 and an impressive economy rate of 6.10.
Shadab is the Heat’s 12th confirmed signing for the upcoming season, leaving six vacancies on their list.
The Heat, who will be without star batsman Chris Lynn for most of the tournament due to shoulder surgery, will open their campaign against the Melbourne Stars at The Gabba on December 20.
Don’t miss a moment! Memberships are on sale now! ? Limited availability. Visit ? https://t.co/MvqwrX1bPy#IgniteThePassion #TurnUpTheHeat pic.twitter.com/qkQjmCTETp
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) August 29, 2017
Brisbane Heat squad: Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Jason Floros, Sam Heazlett, Shadab Khan, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, James Peirson, Alex Ross, Mitchell Swepson.
