Confident Heat spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman feeling right at home in Brisbane

Brisbane Heat’s return to the Gabba can’t come quick enough for spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman is thrilled to be back in Brisbane. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s confidence in his fourth season with the Heat is in stark contrast to the uncertainty felt by the Afghan off-spinner in his first campaign with the Brisbane BBL franchise.

Again set to be a key weapon in the Heat’s bid for a second BBL title, 20-year-old Mujeeb has told of how much more settled he feels in Brisbane compared to when he first arrived in 2018.

“There are so many changes,” he said ahead of the Heat’s return to the Gabba on Sunday night against Sydney Thunder.

“I’m friendlier now with the teammates – it’s pretty good.

“I’m very comfortable now. I understand what I do, what I say, (what the) coach says, the management ... everything.

“The first time I wasn’t adjusted to the accent. Now it’s very friendly with Brisbane Heat.”

Mujeeb, currently placed seventh in the ICC T20 International bowling rankings, has also fallen in love with the city of Brisbane.

“I’m happy in Brisbane because I know where I’m going. It feels like home – that’s why I’m happy,” he said.

Brisbane Heat's Mujeeb Ur Rahman can’t wait to bowl again at the Gabba. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Mujeeb’s even happier about the Heat playing at the Gabba for the first time this season after two away matches and a home game at Gold Coast venue Metricon Stadium.

“I’m happy being back on our home ground. I’m really excited – let’s hope that we play well, said Mujeeb, who despite being economical this season has taken just one wicket.

“It (the Gabba) is my favourite ground. I perform really well at the Gabba.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I try to bowl my best in every game.”

Mujeeb, whose previous Gabba hauls included a devastating 5-15 against the Hobart Hurricanes in December last year, is among a handful of Afghan spinners currently plying their trade in the BBL.

“We believe in ourselves and what we can do here,” he said of a quintet that also includes Zahir Khan (Melbourne Renegades), Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades), Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers) and Qais Ahmad (Melbourne Stars).

“We try our best to perform well every year. We have more experience with bowling on this (Gabba) wicket, the Adelaide wicket ... it’s very good for us to be able to read the wickets.

“When we compete against each other, we’re still friendly. We’re happy to perform well every year.”

Originally published as Confident Heat spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman feeling right at home in Brisbane