Rizwan Eager to Don No.16 Jersey and Connect with Melbourne Supporters

Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, conveyed his enthusiasm on Thursday to deliver his utmost for the Melbourne Renegades in the approaching 15th season of the Big Bash League (BBL).

The accomplished wicketkeeper batter was recruited by the Renegades as the third overall pick in the BBL 15 Overseas Player Draft.

In response to his selection, Rizwan, who previously held the top spot in T20I rankings, expressed his long-standing admiration for the Renegades’ dynamic approach to the game.

Mohammad Rizwan further added that he is looking forward to engaging with the Renegades supporters and dedicating his best efforts to the team’s success.

“Greetings, Australia. It’s a privilege to be associated with the Melbourne Renegades,” Rizwan stated in a video message released by the BBL team.

“I have always appreciated their passionate style of play. I am thrilled to wear the No.16 jersey, interact with the enthusiastic fans in Melbourne, and contribute my very best. God willing. Thank you.”

The highly anticipated BBL 15 player draft took place earlier on Thursday in Melbourne, where Shaheen Shah Afridi, the 25-year-old left-arm fast bowler, was chosen as the first international selection.

Among the 74 registered Pakistani players, six of the eight BBL franchises demonstrated interest in acquiring seven prominent national team players.

Furthermore, right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf has been retained by the Melbourne Stars. Rauf, who is presently playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, has been an essential part of the Stars since 2019.

Babar Azam, the former captain of Pakistan, was pre-signed by the Sydney Sixers prior to the draft and is prepared to make his debut in the BBL this season.

In addition, Hassan Khan, a former Pakistan U19 player, was chosen by the Melbourne Renegades in the Gold category, while Hasan Ali, a right-arm pacer, was drafted by the Adelaide Strikers.

This will mark Hasan’s first BBL season, having previously participated in leagues such as the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).