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Usman Khawaja signs 4-year deal with Brisbane Heat
Follow UsThe southpaw moves on from Sydney Thunder, where he was the leading run-getter
Australia batter Usman Khawaja signs a four-year deal with Brisbane Heat, the T20 side announced on Wednesday (June 29). Khawaja, the highest run-getter for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL), moves to Brisbane citing family reasons.
Khawaja, who lives in Brisbane, leads Queensland in the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup, but had stayed on with the Thunder till now. Khawaja had decided to move on from Thunder in February and it was widely tipped that he would join Heat.
Khawaja captained Thunder last season, and has been with the team right from the beginning. He played a pivotal role in their only title in 2015-16, scoring an unbeaten century in the semi-final against Adelaide Strikers and hit a match-winning 40-ball 70 against Melbourne Stars in the final.
"I always thought I would finish off as a Thunder player, but it is funny how things change,'' Khawaja said. "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.
"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.
"It wasn't an easy decision, it was a very tough one, but the timing just feels right. I like to say I used to be an honorary Queensland and now I am one.
"I have been loosely tied with the Heat through my Queensland roles for several years, and so I am looking forward to the challenge of trying something new by joining them now. I do love playing in the BBL and now I am with the Heat for the coming years, I am very excited."
Khawaja will lead Heat in the upcoming season but will miss the initial stages as he is expected to be busy with the Australian Test side. He is expected to be available after the Sydney Test against South Africa, which ends on January 8, 2023.
Jimmy Peirson is expected to lead the side in Khawaja's absence.