Sydney, June 19, 2025: Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi stole the spotlight at the Big Bash League (BBL) Overseas Player Draft, emerging as the No.1 overall pick and joining Brisbane Heat for what will be his first full-season stint in the tournament. Afridi is set to spearhead a formidable pace attack alongside Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, and Xavier Bartlett — instantly positioning the Heat as title contenders on paper.
In a historic showing, seven Pakistani players were selected in the draft — the highest from any overseas nation. Among the standout moves, Haris Rauf was retained by Melbourne Stars despite a challenge from Adelaide Strikers, while Mohammad Rizwan was picked up by Melbourne Renegades, potentially forming a high-profile combination with New Zealand’s Tim Seifert.
After missing out on Rauf, Adelaide Strikers pivoted to England’s Luke Wood as their platinum pick and strengthened their pace ranks further by drafting Hasan Ali. Sydney Thunder made a bold trade-up in the second round to secure Shadab Khan, the globetrotting Pakistani leg-spinning allrounder, marking his fourth BBL franchise.
Other notable picks included Sam Curran, selected at No.7 by Sydney Sixers, who also retained Lockie Ferguson. Hobart Hurricanes made headlines by selecting uncapped USA allrounder Hassan Khan and young Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain, while the Renegades added experienced English keeper-batter Joe Clarke and fringe USA player Hassan Khan — whose development is being closely watched by Cricket Victoria.
In the WBBL Overseas Draft, England’s Amy Jones was one of the headline picks, joining Melbourne Stars after Perth Scorchers chose not to retain her. The Stars had initially aimed for Jemimah Rodrigues and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, both retained by Heat and Hurricanes, respectively.
A surprise came when the Sydney Sixers selected Sophia Dunkley with the No.1 pick, allowing Adelaide Strikers to capitalize and grab world No.1 bowler Sophie Ecclestone. The Strikers also welcomed back Laura Wolvaardt and Tammy Beaumont, adding stability and top-order experience.
Sydney Thunder arguably assembled the most balanced overseas unit, retaining Heather Knight, pre-signing Chamari Athapaththu, and adding Shabnim Ismail in the final round to bolster their pace attack.
Hobart Hurricanes confirmed the pre-signing of Nat Sciver-Brunt, retained Wyatt-Hodge, and deepened their spin options by drafting Linsey Smith. The Perth Scorchers, after missing out on several big names, retained Sophie Devine and made a gold-tier pick in Paige Scholfield, also bringing in veteran South African allrounder Chloe Tryon.
The Melbourne Renegades, impacted by Hayley Matthews’ shoulder injury, were the only side to draft fewer than three overseas players. They will have the chance to fill the vacancy from the undrafted pool ahead of the season.
