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BBL confirms injured Shaheen Afridi replacement; Brisbane Heat acquire Zaman Khan

Rajgeeta Yadav

Brisbane Heat name Shaheen Shah's replacement [Source: AFP]Brisbane Heat name Shaheen Shah's replacement [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the Brisbane Heat have confirmed an important change to their squad for the remainder of the Big Bash League 2025–26 season. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury, and the club has officially named fellow Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan as his replacement.

Shaheen Afridi ruled out of remainder of BBL

Shaheen Afridi picked up the injury during Brisbane’s close win over the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night. The injury occurred while he was fielding at mid-on during the Strikers’ run chase. He attempted to chase a firmly hit shot and soon showed clear signs of discomfort in his right knee. 

By the end of the over, his movement was restricted, and he left the field shortly after. Medical consultations followed, and the outcome confirmed that he would return home for further treatment.

After discussions with the PCB’s medical staff, the decision was made for Afridi to end his BBL campaign early. The focus is now on rehabilitation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year.

As a result, Afridi will also miss Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20Is series against Sri Lanka starting on January 7, a series planned as part of the team’s World Cup preparations.

Brisbane Heat name Zaman Khan as replacement for Afridi

To fill the gap, the Brisbane Heat have brought in 24-year-old Zaman Khan as an International Replacement Player after approval from the BBL Technical Committee. Khan will be available immediately and is set to face his former BBL side, the Sydney Thunder, at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon.

Khan previously played four matches for the Sydney Thunder in BBL 13, where he impressed with eight wickets at an average of 16.38. Since then, he has represented Pakistan in 10 T20Is along with one ODI.

At domestic and franchise level, Khan has built an impressive resume. He plays under Afridi’s captaincy at the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. Recently, he featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, where he made an instant impact by taking a hat-trick in his opening match. 

Along with the PSL and BBL, he has also gained experience in England’s The Hundred competition with the Manchester Originals.

Brisbane Heat coach welcomes Zaman Khan

Brisbane Heat coach Johan Botha welcomed the signing, stating that Khan brings extra depth and flexibility to the bowling group.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front but he can also control an over with his variations and pace. We know he can complement our attack nicely and give us some additional options in the key bowling periods in the game,” Botha said.

Meanwhile, the Heat face the Sydney Sixers tonight in Coffs Harbour in a vital contest with a top-four position on the line as the finals approach. Currently, Brisbane sit fourth on the points table with three wins, three losses, and six points. 

After this match, the team will return to Brisbane to prepare for their upcoming clash with the Sydney Thunder.