BBL 2018-19: 5 Fresh faces to watch out for in the upcoming season

It is the season of the T20 leagues and there’s no better way to start it than the slam-bang tournament down under. The Big Bash League (BBL) was revolutionized in 2011 to make all the teams as city-based franchises in which previously six state teams used to compete. The Australian franchise cricket, after it’s seven successful seasons would be back with its eighth edition, commencing from 19th of December.

The ever-growing prominence of T20 cricket in the cricketing landscape provides the ideal opportunity for rookies to create an impact and be recognized. Over the years, several raw talents have sprung up exquisite performances and the upcoming season would bring with it another set of fresh faces who can set the stage on fire.

Here we bring you 5 new players to watch out for in BBL:

5. Usman Qadir

The Pakistan-born leg-spinner, who expressed his desire to represent Australia in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2020, is the son of the former Pakistan cricketer, Abdul Qadir. Abdul Qadir was one of the finest leg-spinners of his era and was declared by Graham Gooch as “even finer than Shane Warne“.

While still not eligible to play for Australia, nothing stops the 25-year old Usman to display the talent at the domestic circuit that he may have inherited from his father. His T20 record may not be very impressive, however, considering that Australian batsmen struggle against spinners, the leggie can prove instrumental for the Perth Scorchers and be picked for the national team. Being the lone spinner in the squad currently gives hope for Qadir that he will play almost every match this season.