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By extending the contract of former New Zealand batter Colin Munro for an additional two seasons, Brisbane Heat have made a significant step towards defending their BBL championship.
Munro, who participated in 428 T20 matches across several leagues and announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year after missing New Zealand’s T20 World Cup selection, amassed 10,961 runs at a career strike-rate of 141.25, including five centuries and 67 half-centuries.
The 37-year-old, who will play for the Heat in his third season, is the fourth player in the BBL to be signed under the new regulations, which permit each team to sign one international player for a multi-year contract prior to the overseas player draft.
During his two seasons with the Heat, Munro—who played a part in the Perth Scorchers’ 2021–22 BBL title win—scored 502 runs including scorching hits of 98 and 99 not out.
Munro left early in both seasons to play for Desert Vipers in the UAE-based ILT20 league, but his new Heat contract will guarantee he can play in every BBL game, including the championship series.
Sam Billings, an England international and former Heat player, has signed with Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season, while Josh Brown, a Heat fan favourite and last season’s championship hero, is joining the Melbourne Renegades.
Along with Matt Renshaw and Usman Khawaja of Australia, Munro will captain a potent Heat lineup that aspires to win a championship.
“It was pretty poignant being away and watching the boys go one better to win the title, after going through the disappointment of the previous season when we got beaten at the death in the final,'” Munro said.
“It’s a strong squad again and I’m looking forward to being part of what we can build together. There are always opportunities to get better and as a group, we should be excited about the new goals we will pursue this summer.”