Saqib Mahmood to play for Sydney Thunder in Big Bash
Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood will play for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash in Australia, starting in December.
Mahmood, joins fellow Englishmen Alex Hales and Sam Billings in Thunder’s colours, said: “You see full houses; you see close games; the standard of cricket is high, and you get some really good overseas players,” he said.
“It’s a high-class tournament.”
“The main thing for me is to try and help Sydney Thunder win the Big Bash. I’ve had a look at the squad, it’s a real good side, and there’s a lot of class: a lot of match winners.
“I’ll want to build a good relationship with my teammates and coaches, but the most important thing is to enjoy it and win that trophy.”
Michael Klinger, CNSW’s Head of Male Cricket, described Mahmood as not only an exciting prospect, but a bowler who provided Thunder’s skipper Usman Khawaja with invaluable “options”.
“Signing Saqib, in particular with his recent form, is a very exciting for Sydney Thunder,” said Klinger. “He bowls very good pace, can take early wickets and has great skill at the back end of an innings. He’ll provide great options for Usman as captain.
“He has been very successful in white-ball cricket for England, as well as for Lancashire and, more lately, for the Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.”