Brisbane Heat rope in Yasir Shah for BBL 2017-18 season

Brisbane Heat have roped in Pakistan’s spin sensation Yasir Shah as their international replacement player for the upcoming Big Bash League. The Heats have already signed Shadab Khan but the youngster might not be available for a few games due to international commitments. Heats will also avail the service of Matt Renshaw, who is focused on doing well in the shortest format of the game.

The 21-year-old Queenslander was dropped from the Australian Ashes squad earlier last month. He will look to be on par with his Heat’s teammates Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum. The franchise has got some big hitters in their side and the inclusion of a spin specialist will for a better balance.

“Having Yasir agree to join us as a replacement player means that we can plan for the series with some certainty,” head coach Daniel Vettori said on Wednesday (November 15) following the signing.

“Shadab Khan has been going from strength to strength for Pakistan since signing with us and there is the possibility he could be required for international duty during the BBL. Having an experienced ‘like for like’ player such as Yasir to call upon means we can hopefully have continuity with our playing plans.” he added.

Yasir on Shadab

The 31-year-old bowler last played a T20I game way back in 2011 but he has a decent record in the shortest format at the domestic circuit. “I always feel happy to see him performing for Pakistan in ODIs and T20s and believe that he will take some time to start performing in Test matches as well.”

Yasir on BBL

On his BBL assignment, the spinner said that he will look to make a comeback in the national side by playing well in Australia.“I am going for Big Bash, and hopefully I will perform well and make a comeback in the national squad,” he said.

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