The Brisbane Heat will double down on spinners from Afghanistan for the coming KFC Big Bash League these summer holidays, reports agencies.
The Heat today confirmed that teenage star Mujeeb Ur Rahman would return for a second stint with the club after the 18-year-old proved an eye-catching addition last summer, finishing with 12 wickets including a best of 3-16 and a league leading economy rate of 6.04.
The Heat also announced that fellow Afghan spinner Zahir Khan would also join Brisbane for the first time.
Zahir, a left-arm wrist spinner, recently played a key role for Afghanistan in their maiden Test victory over Bangladesh earlier this month.
The 20-year-old is currently playing for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League. He played for Lancashire in the English Vitality Blast T20 competition last year and was signed by the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League in 2018 only to be ruled out through injury.
The two spinners, who are close friends, declared their delight at being part of the BBL in 2019-20.
Mujeeb, who has tasted success in the UK T20 tournament and IPL since BBL|08, said he was ready to build on his debut season with Brisbane.
“I had so much fun playing at Brisbane Heat in my first year that I really wanted to return when the opportunity came,’’ he said.
“They are great guys and I hope we can push for the finals this season.”
His teammate Zahir confirmed he had heard only good things about playing in the BBL from his Afghan teammates.
“This is a very exciting thing for me, especially to be joining the team where my good friend Mujeeb played last year. He told me great things about Brisbane Heat, so I am looking forward to this challenge so much.”
Heat coach Darren Lehmann was delighted to confirm the spin twins as the first international recruits for the coming season.
“The new BBL contracting rules this season gave us some flexibility to work with them on any potential commitments around our tournament and we are very happy to have them joining us,’’ he said.
“I think the arrival of Afghanistan in international cricket has been one of the best things to happen to the game in recent years, and it is a real joy to see players like Mujeeb and Zahir grow in stature for their country and show their skills around the world.
“It’s great that the BBL has played a role in helping with that development with the likes of Mujeeb and now Zahir, joining Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Qais Ahmad in getting starts here.”