Karachi: Pakistan’s star cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disappointing start to their Big Bash League (BBL) careers, triggering strong reactions from fans across social media following their respective debut matches.
Babar Azam, who was directly signed by the Sydney Sixers ahead of the players’ auction, failed to make an impact in the BBL curtain-raiser against Perth Scorchers at the Optus Stadium on Sunday. The right-handed batter managed just two runs off five deliveries, struggling to settle at the crease.
Babar survived an early scare when a mistimed shot off Joel Paris ballooned into the air but landed safely between fielders. However, he attempted a similar stroke moments later and was caught at mid-on, ending a brief and scratchy innings.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, turning out for the Melbourne Renegades in BBL 15, also endured a modest outing. The wicketkeeper-batter scored four runs off 10 balls against the Brisbane Heat, failing to convert his start in a low-scoring effort.
Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had an equally forgettable debut with the ball. Representing his franchise in the same edition, Shaheen conceded 43 runs in 2.4 overs, including two costly over-the-waist-height no-balls in a single over, which led to his removal from the attack.
Shaheen went for nine runs in his opening over and 19 in his second, before his third over was cut short, finishing with figures of 0/43.
The underwhelming performances of the high-profile trio sparked widespread criticism online, with cricket fans expressing disappointment over what many described as an overhyped buildup to their BBL debuts.
One user on X termed the showing a “horrible start” for Pakistani players in the tournament, while another claimed the trio had been “exposed” after excessive promotion by their respective franchises, linking their struggles to Pakistan cricket’s recent downturn.
Despite the shaky start, the Big Bash League 2025–26 season remains long, giving the Pakistan stars ample opportunity to bounce back and prove their credentials on Australian soil.
It is worth noting that seven Pakistani cricketers are participating across different franchises in the ongoing 15th edition of the BBL, underlining Pakistan’s growing presence in one of the world’s premier T20 leagues.
