Shaheen Afridi headlines Pakistan stars in BBL 2025 draft

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was the No.1 overall pick in the BBL draft 2025, highlighting a dominant presence of Pakistani players in this year’s overseas selections. Alongside Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan were also among the top picks, with a total of seven Pakistani cricketers securing deals across Big Bash League franchises.

Afridi joins pace-rich Brisbane Heat

Afridi will represent Brisbane Heat and join a formidable pace unit featuring Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, and Xavier Bartlett. Heat batter Nathan McSweeney expressed excitement over the depth of options but noted, “I’m not too keen to face Shaheen in the nets.”

Stars retain Rauf amid stiff competition

Melbourne Stars used their retention pick to keep Haris Rauf after Adelaide Strikers attempted to draft him at No.2. Rauf’s return marks a continuation of his impactful BBL career.

Read: Babar Azam Set to Earn Record Fee in BBL 15 with Sydney Sixers

Rizwan heads to Renegades

Mohammad Rizwan was selected at pick No.4 by Melbourne Renegades. Despite already having Tim Seifert in their squad, Renegades valued Rizwan’s consistency and versatility.

Surprises and trades shape draft outcome

Strikers surprised many by selecting England’s Luke Wood over more high-profile names. They later added Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali in round three. Sydney Sixers signed Babar Azam at pick No.7, marking his BBL debut, while Thunder used pick No.12 to grab Shadab Khan, who joins his fourth BBL franchise.

Other key moves and returns

England’s Sam Curran went to the Sixers. Perth Scorchers brought back Laurie Evans and David Payne, both proven performers at Optus Stadium. Hobart Hurricanes added Rishad Hossain and Rehan Ahmed to strengthen their spin attack. USA all-rounder Hassan Khan, already familiar to the Renegades setup, was selected at pick No.11.

Full team highlights

Heat: Afridi, Munro, Alsop
Stars: Rauf, Tom Curran, Clarke
Renegades: Rizwan, Hassan Khan
Sixers: Sam Curran, Babar, Chohan
Thunder: Ferguson, Shadab, Billings
Strikers: Wood, Overton, Hasan Ali
Scorchers: Allen, Evans, Payne
Hurricanes: Jordan, Hossain, Rehan Ahmed

The 2025 BBL draft showcased Pakistan’s growing influence in global T20 leagues, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.