The 2025 Big Bash League (BBL) overseas draft was full of surprises, and Pakistan stars were the biggest talking point. Shaheen Afridi made history by becoming the No. 1 overall pick, with seven Pakistani players selected across different teams in the BBL draft.
Shaheen Afridi, one of the world’s top fast bowlers, was picked by the Brisbane Heat. This is the first time that the Pakistani pacer made himself available for the entire Big Bash League season, and the Brisbane Heat didn’t waste time grabbing him at the draft.
Afridi now joins a strong pace attack of the Heat featuring Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, and Xavier Bartlett. On the other hand, the Melbourne Stars retained Haris Rauf. Adelaide Strikers tried to take the Pakistani fast bowler Rauf with the second overall pick, but the Stars blocked the move.
Read Also: IND vs ENG Head-to-Head Records- 1st Test, India Tour of England 2025
Rauf is one of the Australian league’s most exciting fast bowlers and a fan favorite. Well, Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan was also picked at No. 4 by the Melbourne Renegades. The move raised eyebrows, as Melbourne Renegades already have explosive wicketkeeper Tim Seifert.
Meanwhile, the Adelaide Strikers have picked England’s left-arm pacer Luke Wood as the platinum pick at No. 3 after missing out on Rauf. Another Englishman, Sam Curran, was snapped up by the Sydney Sixers at No. 7. New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson was retained by the Sydney Thunder at No. 8.
Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain set for Big Bash League action
New Zealand batter Finn Allen and England pacer Chris Jordan were confirmed as platinum pre-signings by Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes in the first round. Going further, the Melbourne Renegades made a bold move by picking Hassan Khan, a young USA all-rounder, at No. 11.
Hassan played just one match last BBL season but impressed in Major League Cricket (MLC) with the San Francisco Unicorns. Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan was picked by Sydney Thunder at No. 12. This will be his fourth BBL team, having previously played for the Heat, Sixers, and Hurricanes.
On the other hand, the Hobart Hurricanes selected Bangladesh star Rishad Hossain at No. 13. He was picked last year but couldn’t play in the Big Bash League due to NOC issues. They also grabbed England spinner Rehan Ahmed in the fourth round to strengthen their spin attack.
Laurie Evans and David Payne are back with the Perth Scorchers for the next season. Pakistani pacer Hasan Ali joined the Adelaide Strikers as their round-three pick. England wicketkeeper-batter Tom Alsop returned to Brisbane Heat, while leg-spinner Jafer Chohan is back with the Sixers.
Adelaide Strikers: Luke Wood, Jamie Overton, Hasan Ali
Brisbane Heat: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Colin Munro, Tom Alsop
Hobart Hurricanes: Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Rehan Ahmed
Melbourne Renegades: Mohammad Rizwan, Hassan Khan, Tim Seifert
Melbourne Stars: Haris Rauf, Tom Curran, Joe Clarke
Perth Scorchers: Finn Allen, Laurie Evans, David Payne
Sydney Sixers: Sam Curran, Babar Azam, Jafer Chohan
Sydney Thunder: Lockie Ferguson, Shadab Khan, Sam Billings
The #BBL15 Draft, from start to finish...A name change to call it 'Pakistan Big Bash League' for the summer is pending ? pic.twitter.com/rqXRUELjeV
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) June 19, 2025Sydney Sixers pick Sophia Dunkley as No.1, Stars and Scorchers miss big targets
Meanwhile, the Sydney Sixers surprised everyone at the WBBL overseas draft by picking England batter Sophia Dunkley as the No. 1 pick.
Read Also: India's World Cup-winning captain drops 'strange' verdict on Pataudi Trophy being scrapped
The WBBL draft saw plenty of surprises after Melbourne Renegades lost Hayley Matthews to a shoulder injury and Hobart Hurricanes pre-signed Nat Sciver-Brunt. Well, Melbourne Stars tried to pick Jemimah Rodrigues and Danni Wyatt-Hodge but were blocked by retention picks.
However, Melbourne Stars finally secured Amy Jones. Perth Scorchers failed to land Heather Knight and Deandra Dottin but kept Sophie Devine. They also picked Paige Scholfield and Chloe Tryon. Thunder built a strong overseas trio with Shabnim Ismail, Chamari Athapaththu, and Knight. Tammy Beaumont rejoined the Strikers.
Renegades made only two picks and can sign one more later.
Here’s the full list of players signed by the clubs at the WBBL Draft 2025:
Adelaide Strikers: Sophie Ecclestone, Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont
Brisbane Heat: Jemimah Rodrigues, Chinelle Henry, Nadine de Klerk
Hobart Hurricanes: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith
Melbourne Renegades: Deandra Dottin, Alice Capsey
Melbourne Stars: Amy Jones, Marizanne Kapp, Dani Gibson
Perth Scorchers: Sophie Devine, Paige Schofield, Chloe Tryon
Sydney Sixers: Sophia Dunkley, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Villiers
Sydney Thunder: Heather Knight, Chamari Athapaththu, Shabnim Ismail
Which team had the best #WBBL11 Draft ? pic.twitter.com/IN7hD84obT
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) June 19, 2025 Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Full List of Players Picked At BBL, WBBL Drafts Announced )
Also on site :
- 'The Young and the Restless' Heartthrob, 48, Makes Rare Appearance with Daughter
- NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for June 19
- Pakistanis flee Iran amid Israel-Iran war border closure