Melbourne Stars sign Zahir Khan for Big Bash League

Australia’s Melbourne Stars have secured Afghanistan spinner Zahir Khan ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League season.

Stars announced the agreement on their website Wednesday and said the 21-year-old left-arm wrist spinner is expected to be available for the full BBL season.

Khan’s signing follows last week’s confirmation the club had also secured England’s Jonny Bairstow and West Indian Nicholas Pooran on the club’s international roster.

Khan played eight matches for the Brisbane Heat last season, taking eight wickets and has represented teams in the IPL, Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League.

Khan said he was excited about playing for Stars and said he expected them to do well in the upcoming BBL.

“I’m really looking forward to playing for the Stars during this BBL season. The squad is looking strong and I’d like to thank the club for giving me the chance to be part of it. Together I am sure we will build a successful season,” Khan said.

Melbourne Stars Head Coach David Hussey welcomed Khan’s signing.

“We’re looking forward to having Zahir on board for this season. His left arm wrist spin will give us a variety of options. Together with Adam Zampa, Tom O’Connell, Clint Hinchliffe and the support our skipper Glenn Maxwell, we’re pleased with the group of spinners we’ll have available over the course of the season,” Hussey said.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Stars General Manager Nick Cummins said the club had almost finalised the squad for the season.

“We’re bringing together some of the most talented T20 players in the world this season with a truly international roster. We’re looking forward to having Zahir on board and the support of Melbourne’s Afghan community behind him,” Cummins said.