Afghanistan T20I skipper Mohammad Nabi has re-signed with Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled to begin on December 5 in Sydney.
With the signing, Nabi will play his fifth successive summer with the Melbourne-based franchise.
Nabi, 36, has represented the Renegades in 34 matches in the previous four seasons and was also part of the title-winning squad in BBL 08.
Commenting on the development, Nabi, the No. 1 ranked all-rounder in T20I cricket, said: “It’s great to be linking up with the Renegades once again. Going into my fifth Big Bash campaign, I feel like part of their family. I hope we can win another title and give our fans something to smile about after such a difficult time for everyone.”
On the other hand, head coach David Saker expressed: “It’s great to have a player of Mohammad Nabi’s quality locked in for BBL 11. His record in the Big Bash speaks for itself and he brings a wealth of experience from playing in T20 tournaments around the world.”
“Nabi has been an important part of our middle order and has the ability to change games quickly. He has the flexibility with both bat and ball to play various roles for our team. We’re looking forward to what he can bring this year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Mohammad Nabi back for another campaign with the Renegades. He’s been a valued member of our playing group and club over the last four seasons and it’s great to have him returning for BBL 11.”
In the 34 matches for Melbourne Renegades, Nabi has scored 625 runs at an average of 28.40 which also includes three half-centuries. Nabi has also scalped 25 wickets for the Renegades in the 34 games he played.
Notably, Nabi is the third international signing for the Renegades, as the franchise had earlier signed Reece Topley and Unmukt Chand.
The upcoming season of the Big Bash league will begin on December 5 with a game between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Aaron Finch-led Melbourne Renegades will open their campaign against Adelaide Strikers on December 7 at the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne.
Melbourne Renegades BBL Squad: Aaron Finch (C), Cameron Boyce, Unmukt Chand, Zak Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Josh Lalor, Nic Maddinson, Shaun Marsh, Mohammad Nabi, James Pattinson, Mitchell Perry, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Reece Topley