Brisbane Heat have named Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan as the replacement for injured compatriot Shaheen Shah Afridi for the remainder of the 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL 15) season.
The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has been cleared by the BBL Technical Committee to join the Heat as an International Replacement Player and will be available for selection ahead of the clash against his former side, Sydney Thunder, at the Gabba on Saturday.
Zaman previously represented the Thunder during BBL|13, featuring in four matches and claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38. Since then, he has gained further international exposure, playing 10 T20 Internationals and one One-Day International for Pakistan.
Currently captained by Shaheen Afridi at Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, Zaman has also been in strong form on the global T20 circuit. He recently featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, where he made an immediate impact by taking a hat-trick in his opening match of the tournament.
In addition to his BBL and PSL experience, Zaman has also played in England’s The Hundred, representing Manchester Originals, further adding to his credentials as a seasoned short-format bowler.
Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha welcomed the signing, saying Zaman’s arrival would strengthen the team’s bowling resources as the competition heads toward the finals.
“He’s a genuine wicket-taker early on and also has the ability to manage an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said. “We feel he can slot into our attack well and give us more flexibility during key phases of the game.”
The Heat are set to face the Sydney Sixers in a crucial fixture at Coffs Harbour as they push for a top-four finish. The side will then return to Brisbane to prepare for their upcoming home clash against the Sydney Thunder, who defeated them earlier this season in Canberra.