Shaheen Afridi picked No. 1 in BBL 15 draft, six other Pakistan players selected

by EditorJune 19, 2025071

( Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail )

Shaheen Afridi Headlines Record Pakistani Contingent in BBL 15 Draft

Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has made headlines as the first overall pick in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 Draft, joining Brisbane Heat in the platinum category. This marks Afridi’s debut in Australia’s premier T20 league and reflects the growing international demand for Pakistani cricketers.

At 25, Afridi leads a historic group of seven Pakistani players selected for the 2025–26 BBL season — the most from Pakistan in a single edition of the tournament. The draft, held in Melbourne on June 18, saw six of the eight franchises secure top-tier talent from Pakistan.

Full List of Pakistani Players in BBL 15

1. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Brisbane Heat

Selected as the first overall pick
Left-arm pace sensation; making BBL debut

2. Mohammad Rizwan – Melbourne Renegades

Signed in Round 1 (Platinum category)
Wicketkeeper-batter; set for first BBL appearance

3. Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars (Retained)

A BBL regular since 2019
36 wickets in 22 matches with an economy of 7.75

4. Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers (Pre-signed)

One of Pakistan’s leading batters
Set to make his much-anticipated BBL debut

5. Shadab Khan – Sydney Thunder (Round 2, Gold)

T20 vice-captain of Pakistan
Fourth BBL team after Heat, Sixers, and Hurricanes

6. Hasan Ali – Adelaide Strikers (Round 3)

Experienced pacer; BBL debutant
Brings T20 experience from CPL, LPL, and BPL

7. Hassan Khan – Melbourne Renegades (Round 2)

Former Pakistan U19 all-rounder
Retained after appearing last season

Key Draft Picks – BBL 15 Highlights

Round 1 – Platinum Picks

Brisbane Heat – Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
Melbourne Renegades – Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
Melbourne Stars – Haris Rauf (PAK, retained)
Sydney Sixers – Sam Curran
Sydney Thunder – Lockie Ferguson
Adelaide Strikers – Luke Wood
Perth Scorchers – Finn Allen
Hobart Hurricanes – Chris Jordan

Round 2

Sydney Thunder – Shadab Khan (PAK)
Melbourne Renegades – Hassan Khan (PAK)
Sydney Sixers – Babar Azam (PAK, pre-signed)

Round 3

Adelaide Strikers – Hasan Ali (PAK)

Rising Demand for Pakistani Talent in Global Leagues

The inclusion of seven Pakistani cricketers marks a significant milestone for both the players and the Big Bash League. With top names like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan making their debut appearances, fans can expect thrilling performances and fresh rivalries in the upcoming summer.

The surge in Pakistani representation also highlights the country’s growing influence in global franchise cricket and the strengthening of cricketing ties between Pakistan and Australia.

As the BBL 15 season approaches, anticipation is high for what promises to be one of the most competitive and internationally diverse seasons in league history.

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Editor

Cricket West Indies Calls Emergency Meeting to Revive Test Cricket Legacy Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced an emergency strategic intervention following a challenging Test series against Australia, aimed at revitalizing the team’s long-format performance. In response to the recent series defeat, CWI President Kishore Shallow has convened a special meeting of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee. To provide expert insight and guidance, he has invited three of the region’s most celebrated cricket legends—Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara—to join the discussions. These icons will collaborate with existing committee members Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Desmond Haynes, and Ian Bradshaw. “To strengthen the discussions, I have extended invitations to three of our greatest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara,” Shallow said in a recent statement. Together, the trio brings decades of experience and nearly 28,000 Test runs. Their involvement is intended to offer both inspiration and practical solutions to help guide the next chapter of West Indies cricket. “This engagement is not ceremonial. These are men who helped define our golden eras,” Shallow explained. “Their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations.” While the recent series outcome has prompted reflection within the cricketing community, CWI emphasized the importance of maintaining a forward-looking approach. The board remains committed to long-term planning and rebuilding a strong, competitive Test team. West Indies cricket has seen significant success in the T20 format, but the rise of shorter formats has presented challenges for the traditional Test arena. CWI hopes that renewed focus and expert input will help bridge this gap and encourage greater interest and preparation for red-ball cricket. The strategic meeting is expected to produce a roadmap focused on resilience, performance development, and fostering a renewed culture of excellence. With leadership from some of the game’s greatest Caribbean players, West Indies cricket aims to build a future rooted in its proud and storied legacy

EditorJuly 16, 2025