by As preparations begin for the 2025 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), the tournament is already generating excitement with news that several top-tier Pakistani cricketers — including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan — have officially registered for the BBL overseas draft. This development not only raises the stakes for the BBL franchises but also highlights the growing prominence of Pakistani players in global T20 leagues.
With more international stars showing interest in Australia’s premier T20 competition, the 2025 BBL season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and star-studded editions yet.
Shaheen Afridi: The Left-Arm Enforcer Returns
Shaheen Shah Afridi has already established himself as one of the most feared fast bowlers in modern cricket. The left-arm pacer brings a lethal combination of pace, bounce, and swing that can trouble even the best batters in the world.
This isn’t Shaheen’s first association with the BBL. He previously played for the Melbourne Stars, leaving a lasting impression with his ability to strike early and bowl tight at the death. With experience under his belt and a more refined skillset, his return to the BBL in 2025 could make him one of the most valuable overseas signings of the season.
More than just a bowler, Shaheen is a charismatic leader. He captained Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back Pakistan Super League (PSL) titles, showcasing his tactical understanding and ability to inspire a team under pressure — attributes any BBL franchise would welcome.
Mohammad Rizwan: Mr. Consistency Eyes the BBL Stage
Another major name on the BBL 2025 draft list is Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s dependable wicketkeeper-batsman and a T20 specialist known for his consistency, versatility, and grit. Rizwan has been one of the most prolific T20 batters globally over the last few years, dominating in the PSL, The Hundred, and International T20s.
Despite his success worldwide, Rizwan is yet to feature in the BBL — a surprising fact given his stature in the format. His potential debut in the 2025 BBL will be a long-overdue addition, and fans are eager to see how he adapts to Australian conditions.
Rizwan offers a lot more than just batting. His sharp glove work behind the stumps, intelligent game awareness, and leadership experience make him a well-rounded player and an asset to any squad. He could be a perfect fit for teams looking to reinforce their top order with a stable opener or someone who can anchor tricky run chases.
Other Pakistani Players in the Draft Pool
Alongside Afridi and Rizwan, several other Pakistani cricketers have reportedly submitted their names for the BBL 2025 overseas draft. Among the notable names are:
- Haris Rauf: With previous stints at the Melbourne Stars, Rauf is known for his express pace and match-winning performances in Australia.
- Shadab Khan: A spin-bowling all-rounder with valuable BBL experience, capable of changing games with both bat and ball.
- Imad Wasim: Offers control in the powerplay and explosive hitting in the lower order.
- Zaman Khan and Usama Mir: Represent the new wave of Pakistan’s T20 talent, eager to test themselves on bigger stages.
The diversity in skill sets among Pakistani players — from express pace and crafty spin to adaptable batters — makes them highly attractive options for BBL franchises looking to balance their squads.
Challenges: Availability and NOC Concerns
While the registration of these players is great news, their actual availability for the tournament remains subject to scheduling and PCB clearance. Pakistan’s international calendar in late 2025 is expected to include a tour and potential Asia Cup commitments, which may overlap with parts of the BBL season.
Moreover, players require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has historically been cautious about allowing its top players to participate in overseas leagues when national duty is at stake. That said, recent years have seen the PCB adopt a more flexible stance, particularly when player workload management is handled well.
A Boon for the BBL and Fans Worldwide
The inclusion of Pakistani players is a win-win for everyone involved:
- BBL franchises gain access to some of the most in-form and dynamic players in T20 cricket.
- Australian audiences get to witness diverse playing styles and high-quality performances.
- Pakistani fans are more likely to engage with the BBL, increasing the league’s global viewership.
These registrations signal a more open and connected global T20 circuit, where talent from across the cricketing world comes together to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
The registrations of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and several other Pakistani players for the BBL Draft 2025 underscore a growing appetite for Pakistani talent in the world’s biggest T20 leagues. As we move closer to the draft, all eyes will be on the BBL franchises to see who takes a chance on these proven performers.
If given clearance to play, these stars could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming season and set new benchmarks for overseas impact in the BBL.
