BBL controversy erupts as David Warner accuses Zaman Khan of Chucking at the Gabba

Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan grabbed the spotlight after David Warner complained about his unusual slingshot-style bowling action during the Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) clash between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at the Gabba, Brisbane, on January 10.

David Warner alleges Fakhar Zaman of illegal bowling action in a heated BBL incident

The Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Thunder Big Bash League 2025-26 match was overshadowed by a major controversy, as David Warner accused Fakhar Zaman of 'chucking.'

During Zaman’s spell, the Sydney Thunder captain struggled to read the deliveries and looked clearly frustrated at the crease.

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Warner felt that the ball was coming out extremely low and believed the action did not look natural. Even the left-handed batter questioned whether the ball was being bowled fairly.

The Chucking Incident: What Happened?

The incident unfolded after the 14th over of Sydney Thunder’s innings against the Brisbane Heat at The Gabba. Warner raised the concerns after Zaman bowled several slow deliveries after a wide off Sam Billings in the same over. However, the Pakistani bowler leaked 29 runs in that 14th over.

After Billings scored a single off the final ball of the over, the situation escalated as Warner, visibly frustrated, stopped play and approached the on-field umpire, gesturing towards his elbow and clearly questioning the legality of Zaman's arm action.

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.”

"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

What is 'Chucking'? ICC Rules Explained

The term “chucking” refers to an illegal bowling action where a bowler bends and then straightens the elbow beyond the allowed limit while releasing the ball.

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ICC’s 15-Degree Rule: This rule allows a bowler's elbow to straighten by up to 15 degrees during the delivery. Beyond that, the action is deemed illegal.

However, only the on-field umpires or the match referee can officially report a suspect action, which then triggers a biomechanical assessment, and the bowler is suspended until he modifies his action and passes a reassessment if the action is found to be illegal.

David Warner’s run-out seals Thunder’s fate

Billings went for a big slog-sweep shot off Matt Renshaw, but did not hit it cleanly. The ball went very high in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Marnus Labuschagne was standing there and got under the ball easily, but he dropped the catch. Even after the drop, the Heat reacted quickly.

Nathan McSweeney picked up the ball and threw it straight at the stumps. Warner was trying to come back for the second run, but Billings suddenly changed his mind and sent him back. David Warner was too far from the crease, and the throw hit the stumps perfectly.

Warner was run out after scoring 82 runs from 56 balls, with eight fours and three sixes. His knock helped Sydney Thunder to post 180/6 on the board, and later, the Brisbane Heat chased down the target with ease in 16.2 overs, thanks to captain Usman Khawaja’s brilliant knock of 78 runs.