Excitement is already brewing ahead of the 2025–26 Big Bash League (BBL) season, as some of Pakistan’s premier cricketing talents gear up to make their mark in Australia. This year’s BBL draft featured a strong Pakistani lineup, with superstars such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali all landing deals with high-profile teams.
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Among the headline names, Shaheen Shah Afridi stood out as a top overseas pick. Brisbane Heat, the two-time BBL champions, selected the left-arm speedster with their first overall pick. Afridi’s impressive stint in the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL)—where he claimed 19 wickets at an average of 16.42—cemented his status as one of the most in-demand international players.
In a strategic pre-draft signing, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s elegant batting maestro and ex-captain, was snapped up by the Sydney Sixers as a marquee international player. This move ensures Babar’s full-season availability, positioning him as one of the league’s most exciting attractions.
The draft also saw Mohammad Rizwan, the dependable wicketkeeper-batter, picked fourth overall by the Melbourne Renegades. Valued for his composure and steady presence at the top of the order, Rizwan is expected to bring much-needed balance to the Renegades' lineup.
Additional signings include:
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Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder): A versatile all-rounder and world-class leg-spinner known for his energy and flair.
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Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars): A high-velocity pacer known for devastating yorkers and late-innings breakthroughs.
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Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers): A seasoned performer with both bat and ball, offering valuable all-round strength.
Salary Bands Disclosed
The BBL classifies player contracts under four categories — Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with the following pay scales:
- Platinum: AUD 360,000–420,000 (approx. ₹2 to ₹2.36 crore)
- Gold: AUD 300,000 (approx. ₹1.68 crore)
- Silver: AUD 200,000 (approx. ₹1.12 crore)
- Bronze: AUD 100,000 (approx. ₹56.10 lakh)
Babar Azam is confirmed to be in the Platinum bracket, reflecting his elite status and marketability. While the exact salary categories for Rizwan, Shaheen, and others remain undisclosed, their reputation and current form suggest they are strong contenders for Platinum or Gold deals.
Pakistani Presence Boosts BBL Appeal
The influx of top-tier Pakistani talent is expected to significantly raise the tournament’s quality and global reach, especially among fans from South Asia. Their presence not only enhances on-field competitiveness but also expands the league’s international appeal and commercial value.
With the BBL season fast approaching, the buzz is mounting. Fans are eagerly awaiting thrilling matchups, electrifying performances, and the impact these Pakistani stars will bring. For BBL franchises, these signings are more than just tactical—they bring charisma, star power, and the potential to redefine the tournament’s narrative.
