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

( 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.