Left-handed opening batter David Warner found himself at the centre of controversy during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 match after openly questioning the bowling action of Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan.
The incident took place during the Brisbane Heat versus Sydney Thunder encounter at the Gabba on Saturday, where Warner’s animated on-field gestures toward the umpire quickly became the talking point of the night.
Despite Brisbane Heat securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory, the spotlight remained firmly on Warner’s repeated complaints, which overshadowed the on-field result and reignited debates around bowling action legality in Australian cricket.
David Warner’s on-field gestures and complain to the umpire
Opening for Sydney Thunder, Warner played a commanding knock of 82 off 56 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes. However, during Zaman’s spell, Warner repeatedly gestured toward the umpire, mimicking an underarm motion to express his frustration with the pacer’s low, slingy release.
Warner did not hold back and openly mocked the action by saying it resembled “a four-year-old bowling” and pointing out how the ball “stays so low.” Clips of the remarks, shared widely on social media through official BBL channels, quickly went viral and fuelled intense online debate. While no dead ball was called and no immediate intervention followed, Warner’s persistence placed visible pressure on the officials throughout the over.
Here’s the video:
“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 Khan under scrutiny amid costly BBL debut
Zaman Khan, drafted in as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, endured a challenging debut for Brisbane Heat. The 24-year-old conceded 32 runs across three wicketless overs, struggling to contain Warner’s aggressive stroke play, particularly through the leg side.
Known for his slingshot-style action and sharp dip, Zaman has built a reputation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket, with 111 T20 matches and 132 wickets to his name. His action has previously been assessed and remodelled, staying within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow flexion limit. However, Warner’s criticism revived memories of earlier ‘chucking’ controversies in Australia, including Muhammad Hasnain’s suspension in 2022 following complaints from Marcus Stoinis.
On the field, Sydney Thunder posted a competitive 189 for 7 after being sent in, largely powered by Warner’s fluent innings. Brisbane Heat responded confidently, chasing down the target in 18.2 overs thanks to an unbeaten 78 from Usman Khawaja and a composed 43 not out from Jimmy Peirson.
Off the field, fans on social media erupted with divided opinions. Australian fans largely backed Warner’s stance, praising his vigilance in protecting batsmen, while many Pakistan supporters accused him of gamesmanship. However, BBL officials confirmed that no immediate biomechanical testing has been ordered. Heat’s coaching staff also dismissed concerns and highlighted Zaman’s raw pace exceeding 140 kph.
While Brisbane Heat celebrated another win over Sydney Thunder, the episode once again highlighted how quickly on-field disputes can dominate headlines.
