Pakistani Cricketers Arrive in Australia for Big Bash League

Pakistan’s cricket stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have arrived in Australia ahead of the 15th edition of the Big Bash League.

Both players’ franchises welcomed them publicly on social media, signalling the excitement surrounding their presence in the tournament.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was the No.1 draft pick this season, touched down first in Brisbane in the early hours on December 9, 2025.

The Brisbane Heat shared airport photos of Shaheen, captioning them:

“The number one draft pick has landed. Welcome to Brisbane, Shaheen Shah Afridi.”

They also posted a video message by Shaheen Afridi, in which he requested everyone to come and support them.

It was captioned: “The eagle has a message.”

Babar Azam followed later, arriving in Sydney, where the Sydney Sixers posted a short video of him entering the dressing room with the text: “He’s arrived.”

In a separate post, the Sydney Sixers wrote: “Babar is here and he’s ready to light up the BBL.”

BBL 15, scheduled from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches primarily played in prime-time evening slots.

Pre-season camps are already underway, and the Pakistani contingent has adapted quickly to the Australian conditions ahead of the tournament.

Other Pakistan internationals joining the league include Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan for Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf is joining for Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers.

The tournament will retain its traditional four-match finals format, with the Qualifier set for January 20 and the final on January 25, 2026.

Players will remain available for national duties, with the Pakistan Cricket Board issuing No Objection Certificates for all participating athletes.

Australian fans have shown increasing anticipation as these top-tier Pakistani players settle into their teams, promising high-intensity cricket and thrilling matches.

Social media reactions have been enthusiastic, with many Pakistani fans wishing them luck.

A user said: “I can’t wait to see them play!”

Another wrote: “Best of luck eagles!”

The arrival of these marquee players highlights BBL 15’s growing global appeal and provides Pakistani fans a chance to watch their stars compete abroad.

Fans across Pakistan and Australia now eagerly await December 14, 2025, the official start of BBL 15, where star performances are expected.

With these cricket icons in Australia, the excitement around BBL 15 has intensified, promising a tournament filled with skill, strategy, and spectacle.