Two Pakistan players sign for Big Bash League

Pakistan left-arm pacer Usman Shinwari and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will turn up for Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL).

Ashraf has signed with the 2019 Big Bash champions for the first eight games, while Shinwari will only be available to the team for the first five matches. Ashraf and Shinwari will be replaced by Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and England pacer Harry Gurney for the rest of the season, respectively.

The left-arm pacer will be returning for a second stint, having taken eight wickets in the seven matches he played for the Renegades last season.

Ashraf was the highest wicket-taker for Islamabad United in the third of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2018.

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Renegades List Manager Andrew Lynch was happy to have Shinwari and Ashraf on board for the upcoming season.

 “We’re very pleased with the depth we’ll have at our disposal this season,” said Lynch. “Shinwari got a taste of the conditions last season and was impressive for us early in the tournament while Faheem Ashraf has performed well against quality opposition, so we’re excited to see what he’ll produce in Australian conditions.”

The Renegades will take on Sydney Thunder in their opening game of the season on December 19 in Geelong.