Sydney, December 12, 2025: Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has praised Pakistani players set to feature in the upcoming 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), calling them “global superstars” and highlighting their importance for the growth of the game in Australia.
A total of six Pakistan internationals — Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali — will take part in the tournament. Several franchises have already expressed excitement over the arrivals, with some creating special fan zones at their home grounds named after the players.
Speaking on a podcast, Finch said, “They’re not just Pakistan players, they’re Pakistan superstars, they’re global superstars. That’s so important to our game because they’re such great players.” He stressed that the presence of international stars helps pass knowledge to emerging Australian cricketers, calling it “crucial for their progress.”
Among the six, four will make their BBL debuts, including star batter Babar Azam, who was directly signed by Sydney Sixers ahead of the players’ draft. The franchise launched a fan zone named “Babaristan” to celebrate the 31-year-old’s maiden BBL stint.
Recalling his own experience playing against Babar, Finch praised the Pakistan captain: “You’ve got one of the best players that I’ve ever played against. I played against Babar in Pakistan, and it was almost impossible to get him out. I know he’s been a little quiet in the last 18 months, but he’s a world-beater at his very best.”
Finch also lauded Mohammad Rizwan for his energetic and insightful wicketkeeping, joking, “Mohammad Rizwan never shuts up behind the stumps, but seriously talented.” He noted that even Australia’s rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk has already benefited from Rizwan’s guidance, emphasizing how valuable such exposure is for developing players.
“The knowledge these players bring is incredible, not just for themselves, but for our players to learn as much as they can,” Finch added.
The BBL 15 will run from December 14 to January 25, with Pakistan’s stars expected to make a significant impact both on and off the field.
