Shaheen Afridi Chosen as First Pick in BBL 15 Draft

MELBOURNE: In the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 Draft, held in Melbourne this Thursday, Pakistani pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi was selected as the foremost pick. Brisbane Heat successfully acquired the left-arm fast bowler’s services.

The much-awaited BBL player draft took place earlier today, with a substantial six out of the eight franchises expressing keen interest in enlisting national team players, which included a wicketkeeper-batter recognized as the second platinum pick.

The 25-year-old Afridi was the initial selection in the draft, classified under the platinum category and chosen by Brisbane Heat.

This selection marks his inaugural appearance in the BBL. However, he brings experience from other prominent T20 leagues, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), ILT20, Vitality Blast, and The Hundred.

Mohammad Rizwan, former Pakistan T20I captain, has been contracted by Melbourne Renegades. This will be his first BBL season, supplementing his prior experience in overseas leagues like the BPL and Vitality Blast.

Haris Rauf, a right-arm pacer, will remain with Melbourne Stars. Rauf, currently playing for San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, has consistently been a part of the Stars lineup since 2019.

He has participated in 22 BBL matches, securing 36 wickets with an economy rate of 7.75. His franchise league experience also encompasses stints in the BPL, Vitality Blast, The Hundred, and MLC.

Hassan Khan, the former Pakistan U19 all-rounder, is rejoining the Melbourne Renegades. He previously contributed to the team during the 2024 season, where he played one match and claimed one wicket.

Shadab Khan, the leg-spinner and current T20I vice-captain for Pakistan, has been signed by Sydney Thunder.

This acquisition makes Sydney Thunder his fourth BBL team, following stints with Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes. Shadab has featured in 12 BBL matches, capturing 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.50.

Babar Azam, the star batter, was pre-signed by Sydney Sixers before the official draft and is slated to make his BBL debut. The franchise utilized its pre-signing option to ensure the Pakistan captain’s participation.

Additionally, Hasan Ali, a right-arm pacer, has been acquired by Adelaide Strikers. This season will mark his introduction to the BBL, adding to his portfolio from significant international leagues like the Lanka Premier League (LPL), BPL, and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).