Usman Qadir will return to the Big Bash League after the Pakistani leg-spinner signed a deal to join the Sydney Thunder four years after his last appearance in the competition with the Scorchers.
The 29-year-old, who is the son of the legendary Abdul Qadir, once harboured ambitions to play for Australia before he eventually opted to represent Pakistan.
Qadir played local cricket in Sydney and Adelaide, represented the Scorchers and Western Australia and was picked in the Prime Minister’s XI side where he claimed three wickets against South Africa four years ago.
He returns to the BBL four years after he claimed six wickets in seven matches for the Scorchers and will provide plenty of international experience having taken 29 wickets in 23 T20 internationals.
A thumb injury limited his T20 World Cup to reserve duties, but the spinner is healthy and now part of a strong Thunder overseas contingent that includes Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw and exciting Afghan quick Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Qadir’s arrival will also cover the loss of Tanveer Sangha, who was ruled out of the first half of the Australian summer due to a back injury.
“Usman joins us with plenty of experience, having represented Pakistan and playing in T20 leagues around the world,” Thunder head Andrew Gilchrist said.
“Importantly, he has first-hand knowledge of Australian conditions. He played for Western Australia and South Australia’s Futures League, so he knows what to expect.
“He’s also made it clear that he is proud his father re-invented the googly; I have read that he feels as though he’s its ‘custodian’. I hope he drives our opponents mad with his googly and other tricks this summer – it will provide extra sting to our attack.”
