Big Bash League franchise Brisbane Heat have signed up highly-rated Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan as their second overseas player for the upcoming season, the club confirmed on Thursday (August 31).
The off-spinner has become one of the most sought after bowlers in the world right now since making his debut earlier this year in March during the West Indies tour. The 18-year-old showcased his true potentials by earning consecutive Man of the Match awards in his first T20 Internationals after finishing the games with astonishing figures of 3-7 and 4-14.
His figures of 4-0-7-3 are the most economical bowling spell in the history of T20I cricket by a debutant. He had gone on make his ODI and Test debut on that very tour. He was also instrumental in Pakistan’s historic Champions Trophy triumph, picking up four wickets in as many matches.
His impressive performances helped him to get a contract from Caribbean Premier League outfit Trinbago Knight Riders, and he is fully justifying the faith shown in him with his brilliant performances. He has already picked up ten wickets at an economy of six. Meanwhile, playing for Brisbane will give Shadab another chance to share the field with his Trinbago Knight Riders teammate Brendon McCullum.
Brisbane Head head coach Daniel Vettori welcomed the Pakistan star and said he is looking forward to work with him.
“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,” Brisbane Heat head coach Daniel Vettori said following the signing.
“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. As well as his ability with the ball, he’s got some good skills with the bat and is handy in the field,” he added.
Shadab also expressed his delight over getting the contract, saying: “It is a very professional League with many great players, so it will be a good test for me when I get there.”
JUST IN: The Brisbane Heat has signed Pakistan leg-spinning prodigy Shadab Khan! Story https://t.co/0kJZos3oXU. @76Shadabkhan #TurnUpTheHeat pic.twitter.com/6FIo0Re35f
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) August 31, 2017
“I am enjoying playing in the same team as Brendon with the Knight Riders and look forward to meeting my other teammates with the Brisbane Heat and practising with the coach Daniel Vettori very soon,” he added.