Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s meteoric rise in the world of cricket shows no signs of stopping anytime soon after he was signed by Big Bash League (BBL) outfit Brisbane Heat for the 2018-19 season.
The 17-year-old spin prodigy has become the outfit’s second overseas player for the season after New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum.
This is the third overseas T20 league that Mujeeb has now signed on for after his participation in the IPL and in England’s T20 Blast.
“Once I played for my country I dreamed of playing in the IPL, county cricket and the Big Bash. I have been able to achieve the first two so this is very exciting for me. I am looking forward to meeting up with everyone at the Heat and playing in Australia,” the youngster stated after being announced as a Heat player.
Heat coach Daniel Vettori expressed his delight at the Afghan man’s signature and backed him to follow in the footsteps of Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah who have previously turned out for the outfit.
JUST IN: We've locked in our 2nd International for #BBL08! 17 year old Afghanistan prodigy, Mujeeb Ur Rahman! 🇦🇫
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) October 11, 2018
Details: https://t.co/gu4EdjWvh5#BringTheHeat pic.twitter.com/q5a0vE7MRk
“We were very pleased to have Shadab Khan play for us last season and the impression he and Yasir Shah made on the competition was very encouraging,” the former New Zealand skipper stated.
“Mujeeb is a rare talent and we’re delighted he is going to play in the BBL for the first time. From what we have seen so far at International level and in competitions like the IPL and the Vitality T20 Blast in England, he has the skills and maturity to adapt and excel in a variety of conditions.
“He has been successful in the powerplay and closing out an innings, so we will have options to explore depending on the state of the game. At this stage we anticipate having him for the entire BBL which is a bonus.”
The 2018-19 edition of the BBL will get underway on December 19 with Brisbane Heat taking on Adelaide Striker’s in the tournament opener.
