BBL Draft Completed, Seven Pakistani Players Picked by Franchises

The international players’ draft for the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL) has been completed, with several Pakistani cricketers securing spots in different teams.

According to media reports, Brisbane Heat has selected Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Platinum category. Melbourne Renegades picked wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, while Melbourne Stars chose fast bowler Haris Rauf, both in the Platinum category as well.

In addition, Sydney Thunder has included leg-spinner Shadab Khan in their squad under the Gold category. Pakistan’s top-order batsman Babar Azam, who had already signed with Sydney Sixers before the draft, will also represent the franchise in the Gold category.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Renegades have picked young all-rounder Hasan Khan in the Silver category, and the Adelaide Strikers selected fast bowler Hasan Ali in the same category.

In total, seven Pakistani players have been signed by various BBL franchises for the upcoming season.

It is noteworthy that 74 Pakistani players, including aggressive opener Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, had registered for the BBL draft, but only seven were able to secure contracts with the teams.