Pakistan’s top cricket stars Shaheen Shah Afridi, Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam endured a difficult start to their Big Bash League (BBL) debut as all three failed to make the desired impact during their opening matches.
Shaheen Shah Afridi disastrous BBL debut:
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disastrous beginning to his BBL campaign while representing Brisbane Heat against Melbourne Renegades in Victoria.
Playing his first-ever BBL match, Shaheen struggled with controlling the rhythm, conceding runs freely against aggressive Renegades batters.
He bowled only 2.4 overs, leaking 43 runs without taking a wicket, placing significant pressure on his side early in the innings.
Shaheen’s outing worsened when he delivered two beamers during his third over, forcing umpires to disallow him from bowling further in the match.
The left-arm pacer, who was the overall first pick in the BBL draft, looked unsettled and failed to execute his usual pace and swing effectively.
Cricket analysts noted that nerves and unfamiliar conditions may have played a role in Shaheen’s uncharacteristically erratic performance.
Babar Azam falls for single digit:
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam also experienced a disappointing start to his Big Bash League career with Sydney Sixers.
Opening the innings against Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium, Babar scored just two runs off five deliveries before being dismissed early.
He lost his opening partner Daniel Hughes on the third ball, putting immediate pressure on him to anchor the innings.
Babar showed initial caution, blocking his first delivery, but struggled to rotate the strike and failed to find timing against the new ball.
Despite surviving a brief scare in the following over, he could not build momentum and eventually departed cheaply.
Muhammad Rizwan dismissed for 4:
Muhammad Rizwan also faced a challenging debut, failing to adjust quickly to the conditions during his first BBL appearance.
Rizwan was dismissed for a low score after attempting a slog sweep against spinner Paddy Dooley at GMHBA Stadium.
The shot resulted in a top edge, allowing Max Bryant to complete a straightforward catch in the deep.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, in the commentary box, questioned Rizwan’s shot selection.
Expectations were high from Rizwan, given his international reputation, but he appeared uncomfortable during his brief stay at the crease.
Experts believe adapting to Australian pitches and conditions remains a key challenge for overseas players in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Despite the poor starts, fans remain hopeful that the Pakistani trio will bounce back strongly in upcoming matches.