Usman Khawaja signs for Brisbane

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has signed a four-year contract with Brisbane in the Australian T20 League. The news was confirmed on Wednesday, June 29. Khawaja who was the highest run getter for Sydney in the Aus T20 League had parted ways with the franchise due to family reasons. 

"I always thought I would finish off as a Thunder player, but it is funny how things change,'' he was quoted as saying by Brisbane. 

Based out of Queensland, this transfer will be a sort of homecoming for the southpaw. 

"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 Brisbane - it is really exciting," said Khawaja.

"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 Sydney 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 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," he said.