Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed strong excitement about making his return to Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after several years, calling it a special opportunity both professionally and emotionally due to the large presence of Pakistani fans in Australia.
Speaking in an interview while representing the Brisbane Heat, Shaheen said that Australia has a significant Pakistani community and several Pakistani cricketers are currently part of the BBL, which makes the tournament even more enjoyable for him.
Looking Forward to Playing a Full BBL Season
Shaheen Afridi said that he had not been able to play the Big Bash League for the past few years, but this time he is highly motivated and hopeful of completing the entire tournament.
“I didn’t get the chance to play the Big Bash for a few years, but now I’m really excited,” Shaheen said. “There is no national duty during this period, so I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to play the full league.”
The left-arm pacer added that the Big Bash is one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world, offering fast-paced cricket, quality opposition, and an excellent environment to test skills on Australian pitches.
Praise for Babar Azam
During the interview, Shaheen also spoke warmly about his long-time teammate Babar Azam, with whom he has played extensively for Pakistan and in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“I’ve been playing with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for a long time in the national team and the PSL,” Shaheen said. “Babar Azam is a world-class player. He has scored countless runs for Pakistan.”
Shaheen particularly praised Babar’s batting technique, saying that his cover drive is beautiful and one of the most elegant shots in modern cricket. He noted that Babar prefers rotating the strike rather than relying only on big shots, which makes him extremely effective in all formats of the game.
According to Shaheen, Babar’s calm temperament and consistency set him apart and make him a reliable performer for Pakistan in pressure situations.
Comments on Mohammad Rizwan’s Batting Style
Shaheen Afridi also shared his thoughts on Mohammad Rizwan, highlighting how his approach differs from Babar’s despite both being key pillars of Pakistan’s batting lineup.
“Rizwan enjoys facing fast bowling,” Shaheen said. “He bats differently compared to Babar Azam.”
He added that Rizwan brings intensity, fitness, and aggression to the crease, often putting bowlers under pressure through quick singles and fearless stroke play.
Shaheen emphasized that both Babar and Rizwan have delivered numerous match-winning performances for Pakistan over the years and are among the most dependable batters in the team.
Interestingly, Shaheen revealed that even during net sessions, competing against Babar and Rizwan feels like playing a proper match. “We regularly have competitive battles in the nets as well,” he said, highlighting the strong internal competition within the team.
Experience at the Gabba and Expectations from BBL Pitches
Shaheen also spoke about Australian conditions, particularly the famous Gabba in Brisbane, where he has previously played international matches.
“I’ve already played international cricket at the Gabba,” Shaheen said. “The pitch there has a lot of bounce.”
He expressed hope that the pitches in the Big Bash League would offer more pace and bounce compared to the flatter surfaces often seen in Pakistan. According to him, such conditions suit fast bowlers and make contests between bat and ball more exciting.
Reflections on Captaincy and Lahore Qalandars
Sharing his leadership journey, Shaheen said that before the Pakistan Super League, he had not captained in domestic cricket. He credited Sameen Rana, the Lahore Qalandars’ management figure, for guiding him through the process.
“Lahore Qalandars feels like my own franchise,” Shaheen said.
He also spoke about leadership ethics, stressing that a captain should never speak harshly to players. “As a captain, you should not raise your voice at players. It doesn’t leave a good impression on viewers or the team environment,” he added.
Conclusion
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s comments reflect his enthusiasm for returning to the Big Bash League, his respect for teammates Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, and his maturity as both a player and a leader. With his experience, pace, and competitive mindset, Shaheen is expected to be a key figure for Brisbane Heat and a major attraction for fans in the upcoming BBL season.
