Fakhar Zaman joins Brisbane Heat as Tom Abell replacement

Abell's knee problem has proven more serious than first thought, leading to the Pakistan batter signing up for a short spell with Wade Seccombe's side

Brisbane Heat have been boosted by the signing of Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman.

Somerset captain Tom Abell's knee ligament injury is worse than first feared and he will return to England for treatment after being ruled out.

Fakhar has signed up for a three-game spell that will start upon the conclusion of a mandatory 14-day period outside of the state of Queensland.

The January 6 clash with Melbourne Renegades in Geelong has been pencilled in for his debut.

He carries a wealth of international experience with Pakistan, having represented his country 120 times including 64 times in T20Is.

Part of the victorious Champions Trophy campaign in 2017, with Pakistan beating India in the final at The Oval, he also became the first and currently only player to score a double century for the Men in Green in one-day internationals.

^{Abell managed two appearances before being ruled out (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)}

In 175 T20s, he's accumulated 4,300 runs at a strike rate of 132.96.

Following spells in the Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League and T20 Blast, this will be Fakhar's maiden appearance in the Big Bash League.

"It’s great to have a player of his class available for us at relatively short notice. We’re naturally disappointed to lose Tom though and wish him a speedy recovery back home in England," said coach Wade Seccombe.

"Like all the clubs, we certainly value the commitment the international players make to come to play in the BBL and it was a real shame to lose Tom so early in the tournament.

“We are pleased he will be with us for what are shaping as key games.

“He is a classy performer who gets the job done in the teams he has played for so we are confident he can settle in quickly.”