KEY POINTS
- Shaheen Shah Afridi arrives first in Brisbane as No.1 draft pick for Heat.
- Babar Azam joins Sydney Sixers, adding a classical batting style to the team’s lineup.
- BBL 15 will also feature Rizwan, Rauf, Shadab, and Hasan Ali.
SYDNEY, Australia: Pakistan’s cricketing elite, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have arrived in Australia ahead of the much-anticipated 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), scheduled to begin on December 14, 2025.
Their franchises confirmed the arrivals via social media, signalling the start of a thrilling tournament for the two high-profile overseas players.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: The Early Arrival
Shaheen Shah Afridi, selected as the No.1 draft pick for the Brisbane Heat, was the first to land in Australia, arriving in Brisbane on Tuesday morning.
The Heat welcomed him on social media, posting images of the left-arm pacer at the airport with the message: “The number one draft pick has landed. Welcome to Brisbane, Shaheen Shah Afridi.”
Shaheen’s early arrival underscores the franchise’s intention to structure their bowling plans around Pakistan’s pace spearhead, with Afridi expected to play a crucial role in their attack.
His blistering pace and wicket-taking ability make him one of the key players to watch in BBL 15.
Babar Azam Brings Elegance to the Sixers
Later in the day, Babar Azam, one of the world’s premier batsmen, arrived in Sydney to join his team, the Sydney Sixers.
The Sixers greeted him with a teaser video showing Babar walking into the dressing room, captioned simply: “He’s arrived.”
Babar’s inclusion adds a classical touch to the Sixers’ lineup, offering elegance, consistency, and control at the top of the order.
In a tournament known for its power-hitting and pace, Babar’s style promises to bring a refreshing contrast and an added layer of sophistication to the competition.
Strong Pakistani Presence in BBL 15
In addition to Babar and Shaheen, several other Pakistan internationals will feature in BBL 15.
Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan have been signed by the Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf will represent the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will join Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali has been contracted by the Adelaide Strikers.
The strong presence of Pakistan’s top players in the competition is sure to generate excitement and attract fans eager to see their skills on display.
BBL 15: An Unmissable Tournament
The 15th edition of the Big Bash League will run from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches, mostly in prime-time evening slots.
Pre-season camps are already underway, with Pakistani players settling into local conditions ahead of the competition.
The BBL has also confirmed that the tournament will retain its traditional four-match finals format, with the Qualifier scheduled for January 20 and the Final set for January 25.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to all participating players, ensuring that they remain available for national duties throughout the tournament.
Anticipation Builds for BBL 15
With the arrival of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, the excitement surrounding BBL 15 has intensified.
Australian cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament, with both players expected to make a significant impact.
Their participation, along with the presence of other top Pakistan internationals, will undoubtedly add a global flavour to the competition, promising a dynamic and highly competitive season.
