5 Most exciting overseas signings of BBL 2017-18 season

The Big Bash League (BBL) is one of the most exciting T20 leagues in cricketing history drawing in the attention of spectators all around the world. With the likes of Kieron Pollard, Brendon McCullum, Rashid Khan, Aaron Finch representing different franchises, wholesome entertainment is guaranteed. Top T20 performers like Kieron Pollard, Danial Christian and talented fast-bowler Sean Abbott have made their presence felt with some top quality performances in the past.

Overseas England based batsman Luke Wright who is an extremely popular cricketer has racked up the highest score of 117 in 60 balls in the BBL ever for the Melbourne Stars against the Hobert Hurricanes in 2011-12. This gives us a clear indication of the impact that a couple of power-packed overseas players can have on any T20 tournament.

Let’s take a look at 5 top overseas signings in the Big Bash League this season:

1. Yasir Shah 

The 31-year-old Pakistan based leg-spinner will be representing the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League this season after drawing in praise from none other than Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne. He enjoys the ability to deceive batsmen easily with his pace, variations and turn which is further evident from the fact that he considers Australian legend Shane Warne as his idol.

Shah has gone from strength to strength after emerging as Pakistan’s leading spin bowler in test cricket recently. The lanky and shrewd bowler enjoys 165 Test wickets at an average of 29.44 in just 28 matches having picked 60 career wickets in T20  cricket at an astounding economy rate of 6.71.

Vettori pleased to have him

“Having Yasir agree to join us as a replacement player means that we can plan for the series with some certainty,’’ Heat coach Dan Vettori said. “Shadab Khan has been going from strength to strength for Pakistan since signing with us and there is the possibility he could be required for international duty during the BBL.

“Having an experienced ‘like for like’ player such as Yasir to call upon means we can hopefully have continuity with our playing plans. “He’s a very accomplished player in Test, one day and T20 formats, and having him around will also benefit the slow bowlers in our squad, especially someone like Mitch Swepson who is a young bowler rapidly gaining more experience transitioning between white and red ball cricket.”