BBL 12: Sydney Thunder signs Usman Qadir to strengthen their spin attack

Sydney Thunder has signed Pakistan leg-spinner Usman Qadir to strengthen their bowling attack for the upcoming Big Bash League 2022-23.

He'll primarily fill in for Tanveer Sangha, who has yet to play this season due to a stress fracture in his back. Qadir is Thunder's fourth overseas player, joining Alex Hale, Rilee Rossouw, and Fazalhaq Farooqi on a team that can field three in an XI.

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Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi recently signed after David Willey, who was Thunder's platinum signing in the overseas player draft earlier this year, withdrew himself from his contract.

Qadir, who has played 23 T20Is for Pakistan, has previous BBL experience with the Perth Scorchers and stated three years ago that he wanted to play cricket for Australia before proceeding with his international career with the Pakistan team.

He didn't do much for Scorchers. He only took six wickets in seven games and had an economy rate of 8.45. He was a reserve player for Pakistan in Australia's recent T20 World Cup.

"Usman joins us with plenty of experience, having represented Pakistan and playing in T20 leagues around the world," Andrew Gilchrist, the head of Sydney Thunder, said. "Importantly, he has firsthand knowledge of Australian conditions; he played for Western Australia and South Australia's Futures League, so he knows what to expect."

Sydney Thunder will kick off their BBL campaign against Melbourne Stars on December 13, 2022.

Sydney Thunder squad:

 Ben Cutting, Ollie Davies, Brendan Doggett, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Usman Qadir, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.