South Geelong, December 15, 2025: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi endured a difficult Big Bash League (BBL) debut, being taken off after bowling two high full tosses during Brisbane Heat’s second match of the season against the Melbourne Renegades at GMHBA Stadium on Monday.
The incident unfolded in the 18th over of the Renegades’ innings when Shaheen, brought back into the attack by captain Nathan McSweeney, struggled to find his line and length. In his third over, Oliver Peake greeted him with a six over deep midwicket. Shaheen followed with a low full toss, which Peake could only take for a single.
Attempting a yorker on the free hit, Shaheen bowled a high full toss over waist height, which was called a no-ball by the on-field umpires. Tim Seifert punished the delivery, hitting it wide of long-on and running two, reaching his quickfire century. Shaheen then managed a perfect yorker on the free hit, allowing Seifert just a single.
However, Shaheen lost his line again, delivering another beamer, which was immediately called a no-ball. Peake attempted a cut but missed, while wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson failed to collect the ball cleanly, allowing Peake and Seifert to sneak two runs off byes.
Following the two waist-height no-balls, Shaheen was removed from the attack by the umpires, ending a forgettable outing for the left-arm pacer.
Shaheen had earlier conceded nine runs in his first over, with Seifert hitting two boundaries. His second over proved costlier, going for 19 runs as Seifert struck a six and a four, and Peake added a boundary.
On his BBL debut for Brisbane Heat, who had made him their first overseas pick in the BBL 15 draft, Shaheen returned figures of 0/43 in 2.5 overs, a performance he will be keen to bounce back from in upcoming matches.
