Usman Khawaja is back with the Brisbane Heat for another Big Bash summer. The elegant left-hander re-signed for BBL|16 and is among the most experienced batters in the league’s history.
Usman Khawaja: Quick Facts
| Team | Brisbane Heat |
| Role | Batter |
| Batting | Left-hand bat |
| Bowling | Right-arm medium |
| Born | 18 December 1986, Islamabad, Pakistan |
| BBL|16 status | Contracted (BBL|16) |
Career Stats: All Formats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 | 124 | 3475 | 30.48 | 131.52 | 3/18 | — | — |
| ODI | 40 | 1554 | 42.00 | 84.09 | 2/12 | — | — |
| Test | 88 | 6229 | 42.95 | — | 16/28 | — | — |
Playing Style
Khawaja is a classic left-handed top-order batter — timing over power, placement over slogging. Across 73 Big Bash matches he has scored over 2,240 runs at a strike rate above 132, with 15 fifties and two centuries. He is also a leading candidate for the new designated batter role.
BBL Career
Khawaja played a starring role in Sydney Thunder’s maiden BBL title in BBL|05, smashing 104 not out in the semi-final and 70 in the final. Since moving to Brisbane, he has become the Heat’s batting mainstay and a fan favourite at the Gabba.
What He Brings to BBL 2027
The Heat have added England all-rounder Tom Curran and New Zealand batter Tim Robinson around Khawaja. With Marnus Labuschagne’s availability uncertain due to Australia’s Test tour of India, Khawaja’s experience at the top becomes even more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BBL team does Usman Khawaja play for?
Usman Khawaja plays for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.
What is the designated batter rule in BBL|16?
Teams may name a designated batter who bats but does not field or bowl. Khawaja is seen as a natural fit for the role given his batting quality.
Who are Brisbane Heat’s key players for BBL|16?
Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser and new signing Tom Curran headline the Heat squad for BBL|16.
See all BBL 2027 teams and squads and the BBL 2027 schedule.
Last verified: 6 October 2026.