The Brisbane Heat have landed the signature of rising New Zealand batsman Tim Robinson for his maiden stint in the Big Bash League.
The 24-year-old Wellington Firebirds player showcased his considerable ability last season with a remarkable T20I century for the BLACKCAPS against Australia at Mount Maunganui.
Called in as a late replacement for an injured Rachin Ravindra, the right-handed top order batter faced up with his side reeling at 3-6, only to blaze a 66-ball 106 not out that lifted NZ to 181.
He has played 31 T20I games and three One Day Internationals for New Zealand so far and has been in action in northern Australia during the pre-season, with New Zealand ‘A’ playing in the Top End Strike League and in practices matches in Darwin.
Robinson earned his international call-up in the wake of some aggressive innings for the Firebirds in the Super Smash during 2024 and 2025, including a career-best 139 off 64 balls and a strike-rate in excess of 140.
Coached at Wellington by former Queensland Bulls pace bowler Shane Jurgensen, his efforts across the T20 landscape have also seen him play in the US-based Major League Cricket and in the Caribbean Premier League.
Brisbane Heat coach James Hopes said the club was very excited to welcome Robinson to the Big Bash.
“Tim is a rising star of international cricket, and the BBL will be a great opportunity for him to demonstrate his skills and ability for the Heat,’’ he said.
“He scores quickly, has excellent power, and is very strong in the field. We’ve signed him for the entire competition and think he will complement the playing group nicely,” Hopes said.
Robinson joins English allrounder Tom Curran as first-time international recruits for Brisbane coming into BBL|16 and said he was eager to replicate his childhood dreams growing up.
“How good! I reckon everyone wants to play in the Big Bash,’’ he said.
“We pretended our backyard was the Gabba as kids and used to hit it into the neighbours, so fair to say I’m pretty excited to play there, and at all the other awesome grounds.
“Thanks to the team at the Heat for the opportunity. Can’t wait to get there,” Robinson said.
The Heat has enjoyed a long and successful association with New Zealand players and coaches over the past 15 years.
BLACKCAPS champions Dan Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Colin Munro, WHITEFERNS stars Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr and Maddie Green, as well as Shane Bond, James Franklin, Ross Taylor and John Bracewell have all been involved in playing or coaching roles with the club.
Robinson was a promising track and field athlete growing up, with he and brother Cam highly regarded javelin throwers at high school in Wellington.
He made his T20 debut for Wellington in 2021 and produced a breakout season in the Super Smash series in 2023 -24 when he blasted 298 runs in six innings at an average of 59.60 and strike rate of 187.42.
His 139 off 64 balls against Otago at the Basin Reserve was the second-highest score in Super Smash history.
Robinson’s family run a sheep farm in the Rangitikei district in the lower North Island. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics & Finance.
BRISBANE HEAT – BBL|16 SQUAD
Xavier Bartlett
Max Bryant
Tom Curran (Eng) – NEW
Lachlan Hearne
Spencer Johnson
Matt Kuhnemann
Michael Neser
Nathan McSweeney
Matthew Renshaw
Tim Robinson (NZ) – NEW
Callum Vidler
Hugh Weibgen
Jack Wildermuth
