Pakistan pacer's action questioned in BBL! Warner warns umpires - watch
Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan came under scrutiny in the Big Bash League after David Warner questioned his slingshot bowling action during a match. Warner raised concerns with umpires after scoring 82. Zaman struggled in his debut for Brisbane Heat, conceding 32 runs, though Heat won comfortably. The incident revived memories of Muhammad Hasnain’s past action controversy.
Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan's action questioned (Screengrabs)
NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy has erupted in the Big Bash League after Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan was questioned over his unusual bowling action during a match on Saturday.
The incident quickly grabbed attention as Australia star David Warner openly raised concerns on the field. Zaman Khan, known for his slingshot-style action, was playing his first match of the season for Brisbane Heat. He joined the team as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, his debut did not go as planned.
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While batting for Sydney Thunder, David Warner looked uncomfortable facing Zaman.
Warner, who went on to score a strong 82, was seen repeatedly stopping play and speaking to the on-field umpire about the pacer’s action. Cameras also caught him exchanging words directly with Zaman during the spell. "He is bowling like a four-year-old bowling. It stay so low," Warner was heard as saying to Zaman.
Warner’s reaction sparked immediate debate among fans watching the game. Some felt that Zaman’s low-arm action looked different.
Others also believed Warner’s comments were harsh and unnecessary. On the field, Zaman couldn't make an impact as he gave away 32 runs in his three overs and failed to trouble the batters consistently. It was a tough start for the young pacer. Brisbane Heat still ended the night on a positive note. They chased down the target to win the match by seven wickets. Former Australian international Usman Khawaja played a key role in the victory, having amassed a fluent 78 and guiding the team home with ease.
The incident brought back memories of an earlier Big Bash controversy involving another Pakistani fast bowler, Muhammad Hasnain. During a previous season, Hasnain’s action was questioned after Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis raised concerns. Hasnain was later suspended from bowling, went through a long process to fix his action, and saw his international career badly affected.