Usman Khawaja commits future to Brisbane Heat and appointed captain

Khawaja, who left Sydney Thunder for family reasons earlier this year, has signed a four-year contract with Brisbane Heat

Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has joined Brisbane Heat as their new captain ahead of the 2022/23 Big Bash.

The batter signed a four-year contract with the club, tying him down until his 39th birthday.

Should he be selected for Australia's Test series against South Africa at the end of 2022, Jimmy Pierson will lead the side in his absence.

Khawaja, whose family are based in Brisbane, left Sydney Thunder earlier this year to prioritise his wife and two young daughters. Already Queensland’s captain in the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup, Khawaja swapping Sydney for Brisbane has long been a matter of when, not if.

A member of Sydney Thunder since the BBL’s maiden season in 2011/12, Khawaja called the decision to depart the franchise "the toughest call" he’s had to make as a cricketer when the news become public in February.

^{Khawaja won the Big Bash with Sydney Thunder in BBL05 [Robert Prezioso/Getty Images]}

The batter is the Thunder’s all-time leading run-scorer with 1,818 runs at a career strike-rate of almost 130 in 59 matches.

He was instrumental in their first, and to date only, title in 2015/16. Despite playing only four matches, he finished as the competition’s second-leading scorer, with two tons and a pair of half-centuries to his name.

"I always thought I would finish off as a Thunder player, but it is funny how things change," Khawaja said. "I’ve said it for a long time, that Brisbane is home, Queensland is home, and to be here, captain of Queensland, and now joining the Heat – it is really exciting.

"I know I will be playing in front of my family, and a home crowd, when I am at the Gabba or Metricon Stadium with the Heat. I love the Thunder and the Thunder Nation, but at the same time, this is a change that comes at the right time.

"It wasn’t an easy decision, it was a very tough one, but the timing just feels right. I like to say I used to be an honorary Queensland[er] and now I am one. I have been loosely tied with the Heat through my Queensland roles for several years, and so I am looking forward to the challenge of trying something new by joining them now.

^{Jimmy Pierson will captain Brisbane Heat in Khawaja's absence [Jono Searle/Getty Images]}

"I do love playing in the BBL and now I am with the Heat for the coming years, I am very excited."

CEO Terry Svenson added: "I’m sure our fans have nothing but respect for what Usman has achieved in the game with the Thunder and will be thrilled to see him in teal for this next phase of his career.

"He’s a skillful and proven performer in T20 cricket, a highly-regarded leader on the field, and an innovative and inclusive individual away from cricket.

"Having Usman as a leader with both Queensland Cricket and the Heat delivers benefits across the game, both on and off the field."

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