Pakistan’s fast-bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi leads a high-profile contingent of players from the country who have confirmed their availability for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Draft, scheduled to take place on June 19.
Afridi, alongside fellow national teammates Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, is among more than 600 overseas cricketers who have registered for selection in the men’s and women’s BBL drafts, ahead of the 2025 season. With no international fixtures lined up for Pakistan between November and February, these players are set to be available for the full season — a prospect that has generated significant interest from franchises across Australia.
Brisbane Heat, who hold the number one pick in this year’s men’s draft, are widely expected to consider Shaheen as a top target. The 25-year-old left-arm pacer, known for his fiery new-ball spells, has impressed across global T20 tournaments including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), The Hundred in England, and the Lanka Premier League.
Afridi’s presence in the draft is anticipated to ignite competition among the eight franchises, with several clubs seeking to strengthen their bowling departments. Afridi’s ability to deliver early breakthroughs and bowl in the death overs makes him one of the most valuable players on the market.
Joining Afridi in the draft pool is wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has established himself as a mainstay in Pakistan’s T20 line-up. Renowned for his consistent performances and calm temperament at the top of the order, Rizwan offers a reliable batting option as well as solid glove work behind the stumps.
Also in the fray is Haris Rauf, who returns to the BBL after a breakout season with the Melbourne Stars in 2019-20. Rauf’s raw pace and experience in Australian conditions make him an appealing option for sides looking to bolster their fast-bowling stocks. The 30-year-old has since evolved into a key component of Pakistan’s pace attack and brings a wealth of experience from international and franchise cricket.
All-rounder Shadab Khan is another notable name in the draft. With a reputation as a versatile T20 cricketer, Shadab has previously featured in the BBL and other leagues around the world. His ability to contribute both with the bat and ball, along with his electric fielding, makes him a valuable asset for any side seeking balance in their playing XI.
Women’s draft features Fatima Sana
In the women’s draft, Pakistan’s women’s team captain Fatima Sana has put her name forward, marking a potential debut in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). The 22-year-old bowling all-rounder has been a consistent performer for the national side, known for her pace, energy, and lower-order batting prowess. Her inclusion in the WBBL draft reflects a growing recognition of Pakistan’s women cricketers in elite global tournaments.
This year’s draft for both the men’s and women’s tournaments has been moved forward to June, providing clubs with greater clarity and time for recruitment. The WBBL draft will be held first, followed by the men’s draft on the same day.
The BBL Draft Hub, available on the official app, provides real-time updates on player availability, retention status, and other key information, with more player nominations and pre-signings expected to be announced in the lead-up to draft day.
Draft order and selection process
For BBL 15, the draft order for men’s teams is as follows:
- Brisbane Heat
- Adelaide Strikers
- Melbourne Renegades
- Perth Scorchers
- Hobart Hurricanes
- Sydney Sixers
- Melbourne Stars
- Sydney Thunder
The draft order for WBBL 11 is:
- Sydney Sixers
- Adelaide Strikers
- Melbourne Stars
- Perth Scorchers
- Hobart Hurricanes
- Sydney Thunder
- Melbourne Renegades
- Brisbane Heat
Clubs will use a combination of draft picks and retention mechanisms to finalise their squads for the upcoming season.
Opportunity and preparation ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
For Pakistan’s players, participation in the Big Bash League offers more than just an opportunity to compete in one of the world’s premier T20 leagues. With the T20 World Cup scheduled for February 2026, a full season in Australia provides crucial match practice and exposure to high-quality competition.
Pakistan’s increasing presence in the BBL also underscores the growing demand for its talent in international leagues. While previous seasons saw limited participation due to scheduling conflicts, the availability of top-tier players for an entire campaign this year could mark a turning point.
With the draft less than two weeks away, anticipation is building among franchises and fans alike. Should Shaheen, Rizwan, Rauf, and Shadab be picked early, BBL 15 could see a significant Pakistani influence — both on the field and in the stands.
