Just days after Babar Azam was unveiled as the marquee pre-signing for the Sydney Sixers, more Pakistani stars have officially joined the Big Bash League (BBL) for the 2025-26 season. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan were among the most sought-after players at the BBL overseas draft held on Thursday. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf got retained by his former team, the Melbourne Stars, as well.
Shaheen Afridi, the 1st BBL draft pick
Shaheen Afridi was the No.1 overall pick, snapped up by two-time champions Brisbane Heat. The left-arm quick, who led the wicket charts in the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) with 19 scalps at an incredible average of 16.42, will feature in the entire BBL season, including the finals.
With a fast-bowling group that already includes Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett, the Gabba is set to witness one of the most fearsome pace attacks in the league’s history. Not to mention, Heat also have Callum Vidler, one of the most promising Australian pacers.
“He loves bowling in fast, bouncy conditions and the Gabba’s exactly that,” Heat skipper Nathan McSweeney said. “With Shaheen, we’ve got a world-class spearhead.”
Rizwan set for maiden BBL stint
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan was picked by Melbourne Renegades with the fourth overall selection. Known for his consistency and solid temperament at the top of the order, Rizwan brings vast experience, with 8421 T20 runs at an average of 43, and the potential to be a cult favourite at Marvel Stadium.
Despite already having Tim Seifert as a pre-signed overseas keeper, the Renegades were keen to bring in Rizwan’s batting stability and leadership qualities. Just like Babar, this would be Rizwan’s maiden stint at the BBL despite having previously played at BPL and Vitality Blast.
“He comes with a wealth of international experience and … he’ll help control our innings,” said Wade Seccombe, the Renegades’ High Performance Manager.
Alongside Rizwan and Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) and Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers) were also picked up in the draft, making it seven Pakistani players in total set to feature this season, which would be a massive BBL milestone and a major boost to the tournament’s international appeal.
BBL Draft picks for 2025/26 season
- Adelaide Strikers: Luke Wood, Jamie Overton, Hasan Ali
- Brisbane Heat: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Colin Munro, Tom Alsop
- Hobart Hurricanes: Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Rehan Ahmed
- Melbourne Renegades: Mohammad Rizwan, Hassan Khan, Tim Seifert
- Melbourne Stars: Haris Rauf, Tom Curran, Joe Clarke
- Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen, Laurie Evans, David Payne
- Sydney Sixers: Sam Curran, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan
- Sydney Thunder: Lockie Ferguson, Shadab Khan, Sam Billings
