KEY POINTS
- Shaheen, Rizwan, and Haris Rauf were selected in the platinum category
- Pakistan’s gap in the ICC FTP from November to February enabled top players to participate
ISLAMABAD: The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 draft lit up with Pakistani brilliance as seven of the nation’s top cricketers earned spots across Australia’s premier T20 franchises, underlining their rising stature on the global stage.
The opening round was dominated by Pakistan’s biggest names, with three players snapped up in the elite platinum category – an unmistakable sign of their growing demand in franchise cricket.
Leading the charge, left-arm pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi was the very first pick of the draft, heading to Brisbane Heat, where his fiery spells are set to electrify the summer.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf was initially drafted by Adelaide Strikers but swiftly retained by Melbourne Stars, ensuring the speedster remains a fan favourite in green.
Joining the BBL fray for the first time is Pakistan’s ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who was picked by Melbourne Renegades, adding both class and calm to their top order.
The action didn’t slow in the following rounds. Sydney Sixers locked in batting maestro Babar Azam as a pre-signing—a blockbuster move that adds elegance and consistency to their batting lineup.
Fellow all-round dynamo Shadab Khan will don new colours as he joins Sydney Thunder, his fourth BBL franchise, bringing spin, athleticism, and leadership to the squad.
Veteran pacer Hasan Ali found a new home with Adelaide Strikers in the third round, while Melbourne Renegades made a smart move by picking promising all-rounder Hassan Khan, rounding out a diverse and talented Pakistani contingent.
These selections not only reflect the versatile skill set Pakistani players bring to the T20 format—ranging from explosive batting and sharp pace to crafty spin- but also emphasise how well they adapt to high-pressure environments across leagues.
Here’s the full list of Pakistani players confirmed for BBL 2025-26:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – Brisbane Heat (Round 1, Platinum)
- Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars (Round 1, Retention)
- Mohammad Rizwan – Melbourne Renegades (Round 1, Platinum)
- Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers (Pre-signing)
- Shadab Khan – Sydney Thunder (Round 2)
- Hasan Ali – Adelaide Strikers (Round 3)
- Hassan Khan – Melbourne Renegades (Round 2)
Crucially, Pakistan’s relatively open window in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) between November and February has allowed their top talent to make full use of this BBL season.
