SYDNEY: Two-time defending champions Sydney Sixers have bolstered their shorthanded attack with the prized signing of Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan.
Shadab will be available for the remainder of the season in a timely addition for the injury-hit Sixers, who have lost offspinner Ben Manenti to a season-ending neck injury while frontliner Steve O’Keefe is currently on the sidelines with a calf strain.
The right-arm bowler has now become the fifth Pakistani player to be signed by a BBL franchise as Haris Rauf, Ahmed Danyal, and Syed Fardioun have all been signed by Melbourne Stars whereas Mohammad Hasnain will wear Sydney Thunder colors.
Sixers coach Greg Shipperd said the squad now boasted a trio of exciting young spinners with Lloyd Pope and Todd Murphy also part of the ranks. “All three young men are still learning their craft but have shown at various levels that they can be world class,” he said.
“We welcome Shadab’s skills in all three facets of the game and can’t wait to see him get an opportunity in coming matches,” the coach added.
Shadab Khan is no stranger to the BBL, as the Pakistani vice-captain has previously played for the Brisbane Heat in the seventh edition of the league. In those three games, he collected six wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.08.
The Sydney Sixers are on track to extend their winning run in the tournament as they have already registered four out of five wins, and they have identified Shadab as the key factor to help them with it.
Shadab has been economical for Pakistan when it comes to T20 cricket, collecting 73 wickets from 63 T20I matches at an average of 21.79 with an impressive economy rate of 7.11.
The Pakistani spinner was disappointed after the Men in Green failed to vanquish Australia in the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup. However, Shadab Khan took nine wickets in the tournament, including a 4/27 in the semi-final clash against the Aussies.
Shadab will return to Pakistan ahead of the Pakistan Super League’s seventh edition and this stint during the BBL will help him prepare for the tournament.
