Karachi: Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan came under scrutiny over his slingshot bowling action during a Big Bash League match on Saturday.
Australia’s great David Warner, who scored 82 for Sydney Thunder, was seen repeatedly questioning Zaman’s action and raising the issue with the on-field umpire after facing the pacer.
Zaman, who has joined Brisbane Heat as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, endured a difficult outing in his first match of the season, conceding 32 runs in three overs.
“Zaman was a handful for batting line-ups when he first came on the scene, but he has really evolved his game to offer plenty of options with the ball,” Botha added.
Khan burst onto the scene after being named Emerging Player of the Season in the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL). Representing Lahore Qalandars, the right-arm pacer picked up 18 wickets as the team went on to lift the title. He made his international debut in 2023 but lost his place in the side following the T20I series against New Zealand in April 2024.
As for Shaheen, he has endured a difficult period, with Heat confirming that the Pakistan fast bowler will cut short his BBL campaign and return home after suffering a knee cartilage injury. The injury was sustained during the Heat’s narrow win over the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Following consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team, it was decided that Afridi would leave the tournament immediately to undergo further treatment, with a focus on rehabilitation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Afridi picked up the injury in the 14th over of the Strikers’ run chase while fielding at mid-on. He attempted to chase down a firmly struck shot but was soon seen limping and struggling with his movement.
He left the field at the end of the over, visibly indicating discomfort in his right knee. Shaheen will also miss Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting January 7, which was scheduled to serve as part of the team’s preparations for the global tournament.
