KEY POINTS
- Shadab Khan says their historic influx gives BBL “extra recognition”.
- BBL 15 (Dec 14 – Jan 25) promises fiery competition, fuelled by Pakistan’s players.
ISLAMABAD: Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has lauded the incoming Pakistan contingent for the Big Bash League 2025-26, labelling them “global superstars” whose participation is a major boost for the competition.
The Pakistani contingent includes names like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali. The excitement among franchises is palpable, with some even creating dedicated fan zones named after their new stars, such as the Sydney Sixers’ “Babaristan.”
Finch, the 2021 T20 World Cup-winning skipper, emphasised the immense value these players bring, not just for entertainment but for the development of Australian cricket. “They’re not just Pakistan players, they’re Pakistan superstars, they’re global superstars. That’s so important to our game,” Finch stated on a podcast.
He highlighted the immediate impact, revealing that young Australian talent like Jake Fraser-McGurk is already learning from them. “He was talking about what he’s learned from Rizwan already in the couple of days that he’s been here. It’s incredible what it means… for our players to learn as much as they can.”
Finch reserved special praise for Babar Azam, recalling the challenge of bowling to him. “You’ve got one of the best players that I’ve ever played against… it was almost impossible to get him out.” He also affectionately noted Rizwan’s relentless energy, joking, “Mohammad Rizwan never shuts up behind the stumps, but seriously talented.”
Shadab Khan: Pakistani Presence Gives BBL “Extra Recognition”
Pakistani all-rounder Shadab Khan, who will play for Sydney Thunder, welcomed the unprecedented influx of his compatriots. “I’m pleased that major Pakistani names are playing in the BBL this time. The league is getting extra recognition because of them,” Shadab said during a virtual media talk.
He pointed out that while Pakistani players have featured before, their presence in such numbers in a single season is historic. “Pakistani cricketers have played in Australia before, but never in such numbers and never all at once.”
Shadab also expressed excitement about competing against his national teammates on foreign soil, anticipating strong support from the local Pakistani diaspora. “We played the T20 World Cup here in 2022 and received great support. With big Pakistani names in action in the BBL, we’ll get a lot of support again.”
A Crucial Comeback for Shadab
For Shadab, the tournament holds personal significance as it marks his return from a five-month layoff due to a shoulder injury. “The BBL is very important for me. I’ll be back in action after five months… I want to make the most of it,” he stated, dismissing notions of being injury-prone by adding, “Injuries are part of the game.”
The BBL 15, running from December 14 to January 25, promises heightened competition and cross-cultural cricketing exchanges, with the Pakistani contingent central to the heightened anticipation surrounding the league.
