Sydney, December 12, 2025: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has praised the increasing participation of Pakistani players in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), saying it has enhanced the tournament’s profile ahead of its 15th edition, set to run from December 14 to January 25.
This season will feature six Pakistani internationals — Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shadab Khan — representing various franchises. Several teams have even created special fan zones at their home grounds in honour of the overseas stars.
Shadab, who will play for Sydney Thunder, spoke during a virtual media session from Sydney, saying the combined presence of Pakistani cricketers is giving the league “extra recognition.”
“Pakistani cricketers have played in Australia before, but never in such numbers and never all at once,” he said. “I’m pleased that major Pakistani names are playing in the BBL this time. The league is getting recognition because of them as well.”
He also expressed excitement about playing against his fellow Pakistan internationals overseas for the first time. “Back home, we’ve played against each other, but this is the first time we’ll be doing it abroad. Playing against friends has a different feeling,” Shadab said. He added that fan support in Australia is strong, recalling the enthusiastic backing the team received during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
The upcoming BBL season is particularly significant for Shadab as it marks his return to professional cricket after a five-month layoff due to a shoulder injury, which had ruled him out of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
“The BBL is very important for me. I’ll be back in action after five months. It’s a great opportunity, and I want to make the most of it,” Shadab said. He also dismissed concerns about being injury-prone, noting: “Injuries are part of the game — it’s not as if only I get injured.”
