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Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Brisbane Heat has lauded Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi for his standout all-round performances in the ongoing ACC Asia Cup 2025.
Shaheen has made a strong impact with both bat and ball in recent outings. Against India, he smashed a quickfire 33 off just 16 deliveries, including four sixes, at a strike rate of 206.25. Although wicketless on that occasion, his cameo kept Pakistan in contention in what turned out to be a low-scoring defeat.
In Pakistan’s must-win clash against the UAE, he once again rose to the occasion. Coming in during a collapse, he struck 29 off 14 balls with three boundaries and two sixes, lifting Pakistan to 146/9 in 20 overs.
With the ball, he followed it up with a decisive spell of 2/16 in three overs, helping bowl UAE out for 105 and sealing Pakistan’s place in the Super Four.
Impressed by his all-round display, Brisbane Heat took to social media to applaud their upcoming recruit, posting: “The Eagle! A true all-rounder performance on the big stage. #AsiaCup” alongside a photo of Shaheen.
Shaheen was the first overall pick in the BBL player draft on June 19 and will represent Brisbane Heat in the 15th edition of the tournament later this year.
The draft saw six of the eight franchises target Pakistan players, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan snapped up third in the platinum category, while England’s Luke Wood went second.
This marks Shaheen’s maiden BBL stint, though he is no stranger to franchise cricket, having previously featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), ILT20, and The Hundred.
The 2025–26 BBL season will run from December 14 to January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches.
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