The Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 overseas draft witnessed a wave of Pakistani talent taking center stage, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf emerging as headline picks. Afridi was selected No.1 overall by Brisbane Heat, marking his debut in Australia’s premier T20 league.
🌟 Top Pakistani Picks in BBL 2025 Draft
- Shaheen Afridi (Brisbane Heat – Platinum): The left-arm pace spearhead joins a formidable attack featuring Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser.
- Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades – Platinum): The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter will make his BBL debut despite the Renegades already having Tim Seifert.
- Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars – Retention): Retained by the Stars after a tug-of-war with Adelaide Strikers, Rauf has 36 wickets in 22 BBL matches.
- Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder – Gold): The T20 vice-captain of Pakistan joins his fourth BBL franchise, having previously played for Heat, Sixers, and Hurricanes.
- Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers – Gold): The experienced pacer makes his BBL debut, adding depth to the Strikers’ bowling unit.
- Hassan Khan (Melbourne Renegades – Gold): The USA-based all-rounder returns after a brief stint last season.
- Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers – Pre-signed): Pakistan’s batting maestro will also debut in the BBL, adding star power to the Sixers’ top order.
🏏 England and Global Stars Also Shine
The draft also saw strong representation from England, with Sam Curran, Luke Wood, and Rehan Ahmed among the notable picks. Rishad Hossain was the only Bangladeshi player selected, joining the Hobart Hurricanes.
📊 BBL 2025 Draft by the Numbers
- 7 Pakistani players selected – a record for a single BBL season
- 12 English players, 4 New Zealanders, and 1 Bangladeshi also picked
- All eight franchises completed their overseas rosters
Stay tuned for squad previews and match schedules.
