LAHORE – The player draft for the Big Bash League (BBL) has been completed, with seven Pakistani cricketers securing contracts across various franchises for the upcoming season.
The reports said that star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been selected by Brisbane Heat in the Platinum category. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will represent Melbourne Renegadeswhile fast bowler Haris Rauf has been picked by Melbourne Stars—both also in the Platinum category.
Rizwan, the Renegade! 😤❤️🖤
We’ve gone WORLD-CLASS with Pick 3 in the #BBL15 Draft. pic.twitter.com/wno39UrFrk
— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) June 19, 2025
All-rounder Shadab Khan was picked in the Gold category by Sydney Thunder. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who had already signed a pre-draft deal with Sydney Sixers, will also be part of their Gold category lineup.
In the Silver category, young cricketer Hassan Khan was selected by Melbourne Renegades, and seasoned pacer Hasan Ali was drafted by Adelaide Strikers.
In total, 8 BBL franchises signed 7 Pakistani players following the draft.
The #BBL15 Draft 🙌
Here’s what happened 👇 pic.twitter.com/BDFDV4ZogT
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) June 19, 2025
Despite 74 Pakistani cricketers registering for the event—including aggressive opener Saim Ayub and top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan—only a few were able to earn the trust of team scouts and management.
The limited number of selections showed the intense competition and the growing quality of international talent available for T20 leagues.
The Big Bash League 2025 promises to be an exciting tournament as the fans are much excited to see the performance of the players including Pakistani cricketers.
Babar Azam signs with Sydney Sixers for BBL 2025 amid national team exclusion
