Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi was the first overall pick in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 overseas players draft, headlining a record influx of Pakistani talent. A total of seven players from Pakistan were selected across various rounds, the most ever from the country in a single BBL edition.
Afridi, 25, will join Brisbane Heat’s formidable pace attack for his debut BBL season, lining up alongside Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, and Xavier Bartlett. His full-season availability made him the top choice for almost every team in the draft, and Brisbane wasted no time securing his services.
Mohammad Rizwan was snapped up in the first round by Melbourne Renegades. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter will be making his maiden appearance in the Australian T20 league. Renegades had already pre-signed New Zealand’s Tim Seifert, adding further depth to their batting and wicketkeeping options.
Melbourne Stars retained Haris Rauf using their platinum retention pick, fending off interest from Adelaide Strikers who had the second selection. Rauf has been a consistent performer for the Stars, having played for the franchise since 2019.
Sydney Sixers confirmed the pre-signing of Babar Azam, another debutant in the BBL. The Pakistan captain’s inclusion alongside Sam Curran and Jafer Chohan strengthens a strong overseas core.
Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s T20 vice-captain, was picked by Sydney Thunder in the second round. This will be his fourth stint in the BBL, having previously represented Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes.
Adelaide Strikers bolstered their bowling with Hasan Ali, selected in the third round. Known for his performances in other global leagues, this will be Hasan’s first BBL season.
Another Pakistani, allrounder Hassan Khan, was picked again by Melbourne Renegades. Khan played one match for the side last season and has been a key player in the ongoing MLC with San Francisco Unicorns.
Among other international picks, England’s Luke Wood and Jamie Overton joined the Strikers, while Chris Jordan was confirmed by Hobart Hurricanes. Young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed was added by Hurricanes in the fourth round to boost their spin department.
Despite entering the draft, England veterans James Anderson and Jofra Archer were not selected, with teams opting for players offering full-season availability.
Here’s how the BBL 15 overseas picks shaped up:
Adelaide Strikers: Luke Wood (England), Jamie Overton (England), Hasan Ali (Pakistan)
Brisbane Heat: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Colin Munro (New Zealand), Tom Alsop (England)
Hobart Hurricanes: Chris Jordan (England), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh), Rehan Ahmed (England)
Melbourne Renegades: Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan), Hassan Khan (Pakistan), Tim Seifert (New Zealand)
Melbourne Stars: Haris Rauf (Pakistan), Tom Curran (England), Joe Clarke (England)
Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen (New Zealand), Laurie Evans (England), David Payne (England)
Sydney Sixers: Sam Curran (England), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Jafer Chohan (England)
Sydney Thunder: Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Sam Billings (England)
The #BBL15 Draft 🙌
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) June 19, 2025
Here's what happened 👇 pic.twitter.com/BDFDV4ZogT
BBL 15 is shaping up to be a thrilling season, with Pakistani players set to make a major impact across multiple teams.