After Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has become the second player from Afghanistan to get a Big Bash League deal. The mystery spinner has signed with Brisbane Heat for the 2018-19 season of the Big Bash League. He thus becomes the second overseas player to join the Brisbane franchise after Brendon McCullum.
The 18-year old, who has been turning heads with his performances, has already plied his trade in India and England. Kings XI Punjab bought him for a whopping INR 4 crore and he fully justified the price tag. He took 14 wickets in 11 games and conceded a commendable less than 7 runs per over.
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One of the highlights of his season was the wicket of India skipper Virat Kohli. The teenager had broken through the defence of Kohli, arguably the best batsman in the world.
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Mujeeb will now be looking to leave his mark in Australia and he is excited over the new challenge.
“Once I played for my country I dreamed of playing in the IPL, county cricket and the Big Bash. I have been able to achieve the first two so this is very exciting for me. I am looking forward to meeting up with everyone at the Heat and playing in Australia,” Mujeeb said.
JUST IN: We've locked in our 2nd International for #BBL08! 17 year old Afghanistan prodigy, Mujeeb Ur Rahman! ??
Details: https://t.co/gu4EdjWvh5#BringTheHeat pic.twitter.com/q5a0vE7MRk
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) October 11, 2018
Mujeeb will be available for the entire duration of the tournament. He is the latest of the quality overseas spinners to have signed for the Brisbane-based outfit. In the past, Brisbane Heat had secured the services of Samuel Badree, Yasir Shah or Shadab Khan.
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Head Coach Daniel Vettori expressed his delight over the latest recruit, saying:
“Mujeeb is a rare talent and we’re delighted he is going to play in the BBL for the first time. From what we have seen so far at International level and in competitions like the IPL and the Vitality T20 Blast in England, he has the skills and maturity to adapt and excel in a variety of conditions.
“He has been successful in the powerplay and closing out an innings, so we will have options to explore depending on the state of the game. At this stage we anticipate having him for the entire BBL which is a bonus,” concluded Vettori.
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Contracted Brisbane Heat players:
Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (int), James Pattinson, Jimmy Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (int).