The Pakistan international is expected to enter the Heat’s squad ahead of their game on January 6 as the Brisbane-based team strive to qualify for the tournament’s playoffs stage.
“Fakhar will join us in Melbourne ahead of the game against the [Melbourne] Renegades [on January 6]. Due to Queensland’s current border restrictions, he will need to spend 14 days outside of the state before he can play in Queensland,”
Brisbane Heat head coach Wade Seccombe in a media release.
Fakhar Zaman had an indifferent run in 2021 with the bat in T20Is, scoring only 415 runs from his 21 outings at an average of 24.41 with a strike-rate of 127.30. He didn’t quite warm up to his demotion to No.3 after spending the majority of his career at the top of the order.
But Heat have shown their trust in Fakhar, recognising his talent and explosive batting abilities. Despite a poor 2021, the 31-year-old batter has an overall decent T20I record: 1,253 runs from 64 matches at a strike-rate of 131.75 with seven half-centuries.
At his best, the aggressive left-hander can destroy opposition attacks inside the powerplay overs and give his team great momentum at the start.
“We are pleased he will be with us for what are shaping as key games. He is a classy performer who gets the job done in the teams he has played for so we are confident he can settle in quickly.”
Seccombe added.
Fakhar is replacing injured middle-order player Tom Abell, who has a damaged lateral ligament. In a sad development for the English cricketer, he has picked up a serious injury after having joined the Heat camp late because of his England Lions commitment.
“We’re naturally disappointed to lose Tom and wish him a speedy recovery back home in England,”
the coach said, as Heat look to bounce back from a mid-table slump to make the tournament playoffs.
BH are placed fifth in the eight-team BBL 2021-22 points table with two wins and five losses.
