Pakistan Superstars go First and Second in the BBL 15 Draft

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fast-bowling supremacy was the focal point to start off the BBL 15 draft, with two of its most feared players going first and second in the draft.

In a move that adds serious firepower to their bowling attack, the Brisbane Heat picked Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi as the first overall pick in the BBL 15 draft. Moments later, his fellow countryman and speedster Haris Rauf was retained by the Melbourne Stars with the second pick, confirming a major Pakistani presence at the top of this year’s draft.

With a strong contingent registering for the draft, going first and second is a major statement of Pakistan’s T20 talent.

The Heat had kept their cards close heading into the draft, but few would be surprised they went with Shaheen at No. 1. The left-arm quick has become one of the most feared new-ball bowlers in world cricket, with his pace, swing, and ability to strike early making him a match-winner in any format. For Brisbane, pairing Shaheen with their established local trio of Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, and Michael Neser sets up arguably the most threatening fast-bowling unit in the league.

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The Melbourne Stars didn’t hesitate to pounce on Haris Rauf, who returns to the club that first introduced him to Australian audiences. Rauf has previously excelled for the Stars with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability in the death overs. His familiarity with the club, conditions, and coaching staff made the decision an easy one.

Both picks in the Platinum round show just how highly regarded Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers are on the global T20 stage.

As the rest of the BBL 15 draft unfolds, Pakistan’s impact is already clear. But none more so than at the very top, where Shaheen and Rauf were the names every team had circled—and two franchises wasted no time making their moves.