Usman Khawaja intends to continue his T20 career next season and is hoping to sign a new contract with Brisbane Heat, although he does not yet have a BBL contract.

The 38-year-old, who retired from international cricket at the end of the recent Ashes series after an illustrious Test career, is one of 68 unsigned players eligible to sign with rival clubs during the nine-day trade and free agency period, which ends on February 5 at 5pm (AEDT).

Khawaja captained Heat in the final stages of the BBL after his Test duties were completed.

He joins the Heat’s unsigned Test stars Michael Nether and Marnus Labuschagne.

There is currently a contract ban in place and until this is lifted, all clubs will not be able to re-sign or extend existing players on their list.

Non-binding talks with unsigned players, including Khawaja, can continue but cannot be announced until the embargo is lifted.

AAP understands Khawaja, who lives in Brisbane with his young family, would ideally like to re-sign with the Heat once the embargo ends, but is open to a move if an agreement cannot be reached.

The veteran is set to become a commentator on Fox Cricket next summer, but is still open to playing in other T20 tournaments around the world.

He was also instrumental in helping the Queensland Bulls win the Sheffield Shield and will continue his first-class career for the remainder of this season.

The Bulls are second on the ladder and will play away to competition leaders Victoria in their next game when the Shield resumes on February 6.

The Heat had signed 10 of their allotted 12 players before the BBL contract ban was activated.

They have nine eligible free agents, according to their website; cricket.com.auplayers selected from among these players could continue to play for the Heat next summer.

AAP