Brisbane, January 5, 2026: The Brisbane Heat have announced the signing of Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan as an international replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi for the remainder of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL) 15.
Zaman, a right-arm pacer known for his distinctive slinging action, will make his Heat debut against his former team, Sydney Thunder, at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon after receiving clearance from the BBL Technical Committee.
The 24-year-old previously represented the Thunder in BBL 13, playing four matches and taking eight wickets at an average of 16.38. Since then, Zaman has appeared in 10 T20 Internationals and one ODI for Pakistan. He recently impressed in the Abu Dhabi T10, claiming a hat-trick in his opening game, and has also featured in England’s The Hundred for Manchester Originals.
Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha said Zaman’s inclusion strengthens the team’s bowling attack at a critical stage of the tournament. “He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said. “He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game.”
The Heat face the Sydney Sixers tonight in a must-win clash at Coffs Harbour, with a top-four finish at stake. They will then return to Brisbane to prepare for their rematch against the Sydney Thunder, who defeated them in Canberra before Christmas.
