WEBDESK: Several top Pakistani cricketers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan, have been named in the initial overseas draft list for the 15th edition of the Big Bash League 2025 draft.
Set for June 19, the Big Bash League 2025 Draft will feature over 600 international players. With no international fixtures lined up for Pakistan between November and February, these players are set to be available for the full season – a prospect that has generated significant interest from franchises across Australia.
Shaheen Afridi a front-runner for the Big Bash League 2025 draft
Brisbane Heat, who hold the number one pick in this year’s men’s draft, are widely expected to consider Shaheen as a top target. The 25-year-old left-arm pacer, known for his fiery new-ball spells, has impressed across global T20 tournaments including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), The Hundred in England, and the Lanka Premier League. Afridi’s ability to deliver early breakthroughs and bowl in the death overs makes him one of the most valuable players on the market.
Rizwan’s dependability
Mohammad Rizwan will also join him as Pakistani cricket’s main wicketkeeper and batter. Due to his dependable play and composed attitude at the beginning, Rizwan provides strong batting and steady glove work behind the stumps.
Haris Rauf’s return to the Big Bash League 2025 draft
Haris Rauf will also be competing again in Australian cricket’s biggest competition, the BBL. He started to gain fame with the Melbourne Stars in 2019-2020 and now has impressive results in cricket at all levels. Because of his quick speed and time spent playing in Australia, Rauf becomes an attractive choice for teams eyeing more fast bowlers.
Shadab’s all-round impact
Not only is Pakistan’s Shadab Khan a great hitter, but his cutting leg-spin and accurate fielding are also strong points. Since he is flexible in this format, Shadab has earlier taken part in the BBL and other international T20 leagues. The fact that he can play with the bat and ball, as well as field wonderfully, makes him a player any team would appreciate on their team.
Women’s draft sees Fatima Sana’s name
In the Big Bash League 2025 Draft, Pakistan’s women’s cricket captain Fatima Sana has also entered the WBBL pool. At just 22, the pace-bowling all-rounder has impressed in international games and now aims to debut in the world’s top women’s T20 league. The bowling all-rounder has been a consistent performer for the national side, known for her pace, energy, and lower-order batting prowess. Her inclusion in the WBBL draft reflects a growing recognition of Pakistan’s women cricketers in elite global tournaments.
Why this draft matters
The Big Bash League 2025 Draft is especially important for Pakistani players ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Playing a full BBL season offers crucial match practice and exposure to high-level competition – something that could give them a big edge before the global tournament.
As franchises finalize their picks, excitement is building around what could be one of the most Pakistan-influenced seasons in BBL history.
