Babar Azam, Rizwan & Shaheen Afridi Set for BBL 15 – Aaron Finch Excited

Pakistan’s cricket superstars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are all set to make their much-awaited debut in Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15. This marks the first time all three players will participate in Australia’s top T20 tournament, and fans from both Pakistan and Australia are eagerly looking forward to seeing them in action.

One of Australia’s most respected former captains and BBL legends, Aaron Finch, has shared his excitement about the arrival of these top-tier Pakistani cricketers. Finch, who led the Melbourne Renegades for more than 10 years before stepping down, said that the presence of world-class players like Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen will greatly improve the tournament’s standard and bring more attention to it globally.

Speaking about Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was selected as the number 1 overall pick in the BBL 15 overseas draft, Finch had high praise.

“Shaheen is a wonderful bowler. He now has experience from playing around the world. If you look at his Pakistan Super League (PSL) performances, he’s been leading from the front and winning titles as captain. That speaks volumes about his leadership and skills. He’s not just a bowler anymore—he’s a complete cricketer. It’s great to have him in the BBL,” Finch said.

Shaheen’s explosive pace, ability to swing the ball, and growing experience as a leader have made him one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 cricket today.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Earn Praise

Finch also took a moment to talk about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, two of the most consistent T20 performers in the world.

“Babar is one of the best batters in the game. He plays with such elegance. You rarely see him over-hitting the ball; his timing is just beautiful,” Finch remarked.

“And then there’s Rizwan—the pocket rocket. He’s full of energy and dynamic at the top of the order. Watching him bat is always exciting. For Australian fans and local players to see these guys up close and test themselves against the best—it’s going to be incredible.”

Both Babar and Rizwan have been top-ranked batters in ICC T20 rankings and have delivered consistent performances in major leagues, including the PSL. Their professionalism, fitness, and calm mindset have made them role models for many young cricketers.

Big Names, Big Expectations

This will be the first time that these three stars will be free from international commitments during the BBL window, allowing them to join the tournament without scheduling conflicts. Their high value in T20 leagues was evident in the BBL 15 overseas draft, where Rizwan and Shaheen were picked within the top four selections. Meanwhile, Babar Azam had already signed with the Sydney Sixers before the draft took place.

With BBL trying to bring back its past popularity and fan engagement, the arrival of these Pakistani stars could be just the spark it needs. Aaron Finch strongly believes their presence will benefit not only the teams they play for but also help local Australian players improve by playing alongside and against world-class talent.

As the start of BBL Season 15 approaches, the buzz around the league is growing. Fans in both countries—Pakistan and Australia—are excited to see their favorite stars light up the stadiums down under. These new international additions are expected to attract more viewership, create intense matchups, and bring fresh energy to the competition.

The Big Bash League has always been known for its entertainment, big crowds, and thrilling cricket. With Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen joining the mix, this season promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

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