Usman Khawaja signed up by the Brisbane Heat, to lead them in the coming season

After departing the Sydney Thunder side citing family reasons, Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja will now be donning the teal to represent Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. Khawaja is also expected to lead the side whenever he will be available.  

The Southpaw mentioned that the move to Heat, at the time, was the "toughest call" he had to make as a cricketer. Khawaja's move to Heat was a much-anticipated one for quite some time after he announced he was parting ways with Thunder in February. 

Khawaja had been with the Thunder and was among the founding members of the club since the inception of the BBL in 2011-12. He was a key contributor to Thunder's solitary title in 2015-16, scoring 104 not out in the semi-final against Adelaide Strikers and 70 off 40 deliveries in the winning final against Melbourne Stars. 

The 35-year-old currently lives in Brisbane with his family and with Queensland in Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup captain but had remained with Thunder in the BBL up until now. The length of the contract means he will stay with Heat until he is at least 39. 

Khawaja will be leading the side as and when he is available, but he is reportedly set to miss the initial fixture of the upcoming BBL season as he will be on national duty for Australia. He is likely to be available from January 8 onwards following the conclusion of the Sydney Test against the South Africans. 

Wicketkeeper batter Jimmy Peirson, who captained Heat last season, will lead the Heat when Khawaja is unavailable. 

Speaking about the switch of franchises, he said, "I always thought I would finish off as a Thunder player, but it is funny how things change. I've said it for a long time that Brisbane is home, Queensland is home, and to be here, captain of Queensland, and now joining the Heat - it is really exciting."

Khawaja is passionate about the BBL and was vocal about the future direction of the competition stating that Cricket Australia needs to consider private investment in the near term. 

"I know I will be playing in front of my family and a home crowd when I am at the Gabba or Metricon Stadium with the Heat. I love the Thunder and the Thunder Nation, but at the same time, this is a change that comes at the right time. 

The Heat signed up Khawaja as a replacement for their captain Chris Lynn after they decided not to resign him for the upcoming seasons. Lynn was associated with the Heat for eleven seasons and is BBL's highest-ever run-getter. Khawaja, on the hand, has scored 1818 in 59 matches across all seasons and has two centuries to his name.