Warner accuses Pakistani bowler of 'throwing'

• Warner questioned Zaman Khan's bowling action in BBL, citing throwing concerns.
• Khawaja's 78 led Brisbane Heat to a 7-wicket victory over Sydney Thunder.
• Warner injured his knee; Hasnain's action faced similar BBL scrutiny before.

Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan faced scrutiny over his slingshot bowling action during a Big Bash League match on Saturday.

Australian great David Warner, who scored 82 for Sydney Thunder, was

seen repeatedly questioning Zaman’s action and raising the issue with the on-field umpire after facing the pacer.

Warner was heard saying to the umpire, “He is bowling like a four-year-old. It stays so low. Looks like he is throwing the ball.”

Watch:

“Like a four-year-old bowling. It stays so low.”

David Warner on Zaman Khan’s action. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/dv9Bzw4G5v

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 10, 2026

Zaman, who joined Brisbane Heat as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, had a challenging debut this season, conceding 32 runs in three overs.

Despite the concerns raised during Zaman’s spell, Brisbane Heat emerged victorious, securing a seven-wicket win.

How Brisbane Heat Beat Sydney Thunder

Usman Khawaja may have concluded his international career, but he demonstrated he still has much to offer with an impressive innings that led Brisbane Heat to a resounding Big Bash League victory over Sydney Thunder. The Heat secured a seven-wicket triumph at the Gabba, culminating a disappointing season for the Thunder.

Sydney’s innings was anchored by captain David Warner, who continued his excellent form with a fluent 82, helping Thunder post a total of 180 for six. However, Warner’s night ended on a concerning note when he sustained a knee injury after being hit on his unprotected left knee while attempting a sweep. He did not take the field during Brisbane’s chase, with Chris Green stepping in as the stand-in captain.

In response, Heat skipper Khawaja seamlessly transitioned to white-ball cricket just days after retiring from Test cricket. The 39-year-old played a composed yet commanding knock of 78, sharing a crucial 93-run partnership with Matt Renshaw, who remained unbeaten on 42. Khawaja’s dismissal came with victory in sight, and he received a warm ovation from the home crowd, acknowledging both his match-winning performance and his distinguished Test career.

Earlier, Jack Wildermuth set the tone with an explosive cameo of 39 off 15 balls, hitting Wes Agar for three sixes and a four. Agar’s tough outing continued when he dropped a straightforward chance to reprieve Nathan McSweeney, though the youngster later fell for 12.

Despite a brief wobble, Brisbane stayed firmly in control, reaching the target with 22 balls to spare. Renshaw also impressed with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 29 from his four overs, underscoring his all-round contribution.

Deja Vu

The episode brought back memories of a similar controversy involving another Pakistan fast bowler, Muhammad Hasnain, who faced questions over his action during a previous Big Bash season after objections were raised by Marcus Stoinis.

Hasnain was subsequently suspended, underwent an extended rehabilitation process to remodel his action, and his international career was significantly disrupted as a result.

(With inputs from Agencies)