Big Bash top wicket-taker Ben Laughlin joins Brisbane Heat

He has agreed to a two-year deal with Brisbane and joins AB de Villiers and Tom Banton as new signings, alongside Afghan wrist-spinner Zahir Khan

Brisbane Heat have signed Ben Laughlin for the upcoming Big Bash campaign.

The seamer is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the competition, having played in the tournament since its inception in 2011, when he represented Hobart Hurricanes.

He joins Darren Lehmann’s Heat from Adelaide Strikers, where he has spent the last five years.

Laughlin will be returning to the state in which he began his professional career; he spent four years with Queensland between 2007 and 2011.

The 37-year-old has garnered a reputation for himself as a fine T20 death bowler, with his record earning him two separate Indian Premier League stints – first with Chennai Super Kings, and then with Rajasthan Royals.

He sought release from his Strikers contract due to a desire to spend more time with his family, based on the Sunshine Coast. He has agreed a two-year deal with Brisbane and joins AB de Villiers and Tom Banton as new signings, alongside Afghan wrist-spinner Zahir Khan.

^{Laughlin has played in franchise T20 cricket worldwide}

In all, Laughlin has played 143 career T20 games, taking 175 wickets at 22.45 with a strike-rate of 16.8 and an economy rate of 7.99.

Lehmann praised Adelaide, Laughlin’s former employers, for their handling of the matter.

“I think the Strikers management deserve a real wrap for the way they dealt professionally and compassionately with his request to be released,” he said.

“In turn, the Heat are very pleased to welcome Ben to our club. I am looking forward to working with him again after he was in the Queensland team in the old KFC Big Bash in my first season with the Bulls.

“From a playing perspective, I’m a big admirer of how he deals so efficiently with the roles he is assigned. He’s been a very skilled performer in those overs when there is very little margin for error and has rode the highs and lows that come with such a role.”

“It’s an exciting time for the Heat and I know Benny will be ready to roll when we get together soon.”

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