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

Pakistan’s pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi has been selected as the first overall pick in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 Draft, with Brisbane Heat securing the left-arm fast bowler in the platinum category, marking his debut in Australia's premier T20 competition.

Afridi, 25, is among seven Pakistani players set to feature in the 2025–26 season of the BBL — the most from the country in a single edition — reflecting the growing demand for Pakistan’s international talent in global franchise leagues.

The draft, held in Melbourne on June 18, saw six of the eight BBL franchises secure Pakistani cricketers.

In addition to Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan was signed by Melbourne Renegades in the first round as their platinum pick. It will also be the wicketkeeper-batter’s maiden BBL appearance.

Meanwhile, Haris Rauf was retained by Melbourne Stars under the platinum category.

The right-arm pacer has been a regular for the franchise since 2019 and has picked up 36 wickets in 22 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 7.75.

Babar Azam, considered by many to be Pakistan's premier batter, was pre-signed by Sydney Sixers ahead of the draft and is also set to make his BBL debut. 

Joining the list is Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s T20 vice-captain, who was signed by Sydney Thunder in Round 2 under the gold category.

This marks his fourth BBL team, having previously turned out for Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes.

Hasan Ali, another experienced fast bowler, will represent Adelaide Strikers, marking his first stint in the BBL.

He brings experience from the CPL, LPL and BPL to the Australian league.

Hassan Khan, a former Pakistan U19 all-rounder, was picked again by Melbourne Renegades in Round 2 after playing a single game last season.

The complete BBL 15 draft highlights are as follows:

Round 1 - Platinum Picks

• Brisbane Heat – Shaheen Afridi

• Adelaide Strikers – Luke Wood

• Melbourne Renegades – Mohammad Rizwan

• Perth Scorchers – Finn Allen

• Hobart Hurricanes – Chris Jordan

• Sydney Sixers – Sam Curran

• Melbourne Stars – Haris Rauf (retained)

• Sydney Thunder – Lockie Ferguson

Round 2

• Brisbane Heat – Colin Munro

• Adelaide Strikers – Jamie Overton

• Melbourne Renegades – Hassan Khan

• Sydney Thunder – Shadab Khan

• Hobart Hurricanes – Rishad Hossain

• Sydney Sixers – Babar Azam (pre-signed)

• Melbourne Stars – Tom Curran

Round 3

• Perth Scorchers – Laurie Evans

• Melbourne Stars – Joe Clarke

• Sydney Thunder – Sam Billings

• Melbourne Renegades – Tim Seifert

• Adelaide Strikers – Hasan Ali

Round 4

• Brisbane Heat – Tom Alsop

• Perth Scorchers – David Payne

• Hobart Hurricanes – Rehan Ahmed

• Sydney Sixers – Jafer Chohan

This influx of Pakistani talent into BBL 15 signals a strengthening of cricketing ties and enhances the league's competitive balance, with fans anticipating new rivalries and performances in the upcoming summer Down Under.