Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan came under the spotlight during a Big Bash League match on Saturday after Australia’s David Warner questioned his slingshot bowling action. Warner, who top-scored with 82 for Sydney Thunder, repeatedly signaled concerns to the on-field umpires while facing Zaman, making the episode a major talking point.
Zaman, playing his first match of the season as a replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi, struggled with control throughout his spells. His opening overs were marked by inconsistent lengths, wides, and wayward deliveries, allowing Warner to dominate and reach his sixth Big Bash fifty. Later in the innings, Zaman’s slower balls and yorkers were poorly executed, with Sam Billings capitalising to hit multiple boundaries. He finished with figures of 3 overs for 32 runs without taking a wicket.
Despite Zaman’s difficult outing and scrutiny over his action, Brisbane Heat secured a comfortable seven-wicket win, with Usman Khawaja scoring a fluent 78.
The incident revived memories of a previous Big Bash controversy involving Pakistan’s Muhammad Hasnain, whose action was questioned, leading to suspension and a lengthy rehabilitation. While no official action was taken against Zaman, Warner’s visible protests ensured his bowling action became a major talking point, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by young pacers in the league.