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BBL 2025 Draft: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf Among Top Picks, Jofra Archer Overlooked
Pakistan’s Fast Bowling Duo Headlines BBL 2025 Draft
The Big Bash League 2025 draft saw Pakistan pacers take center stage as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf emerged as the top two international picks. Their selection highlighted the increasing reliance on pace firepower for success in Australia’s premier T20 tournament.
Shaheen Afridi Joins Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat made a major move by securing the services of Shaheen Afridi, marking his first-ever appearance in the BBL. With his lethal left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball early, Afridi adds serious firepower to a bowling lineup that already includes Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, and Michael Neser.
Haris Rauf Retained by Melbourne Stars
Adelaide Strikers initially selected Haris Rauf, but Melbourne Stars used their retention rights to bring him back. Rauf, who has taken 36 wickets in 22 BBL matches, has been a consistent performer for the Stars and remains a key part of their bowling attack.
Luke Wood Signed by Adelaide Strikers
After losing Rauf, the Strikers turned to England’s Luke Wood. A left-arm fast bowler with prior BBL experience for the Stars, Wood brings versatility and familiarity with Australian conditions.
Jofra Archer Finds No Takers
One of the most surprising developments from the draft was the lack of interest in England pacer Jofra Archer. Despite being available for the full season and declaring his fitness, Archer was not picked by any team. His recent history of injuries and limited game time likely contributed to the cautious approach from franchises.
Mohammad Rizwan Joins Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Renegades bolstered their batting unit by picking up experienced Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Known for his composure and reliability, Rizwan is expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order.
According to Renegades’ high performance manager Wade Seccombe, “He [Rizwan] comes with a wealth of international experience and he’ll help control our innings.”
Defending Champions Retain Key Players
Chris Jordan Returns to Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart Hurricanes retained Chris Jordan, who played a significant role in their title win last season. His experience and expertise at the death remain vital for the defending champions.
Perth Scorchers Back Finn Allen
Perth Scorchers stuck with Finn Allen despite a modest 2024 campaign. Their decision was reinforced by Allen’s recent form, notably his blazing 151 off 51 balls in the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament in the United States.
Read more about Finn Allen’s MLC performance on ESPNcricinfo
More Notable Draft Picks
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Sydney Sixers picked England’s Sam Curran, who is set to make his BBL debut.
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Sydney Thunder retained New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson despite his injury history.
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Adelaide Strikers pre-signed Jamie Overton from England.
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Brisbane Heat retained Colin Munro, a seasoned BBL performer.
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Hobart Hurricanes added Rehan Ahmed, a promising young spinner from England.
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Sydney Sixers pre-signed Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and prolific run-scorer.
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Sydney Thunder retained Shadab Khan and Sam Billings to solidify their core.
WBBL 2025 Draft: England Stars Shine in First Round
Sophia Dunkley and Sophie Ecclestone Lead Selections
The Women’s Big Bash League 2025 draft also saw big international names being snapped up. Sydney Sixers picked England opener Sophia Dunkley as their top choice, while Adelaide Strikers followed with world number one T20I bowler Sophie Ecclestone.
Retentions Take Over Next Picks
The next four selections were all retentions by respective teams:
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Jemimah Rodrigues returned to Brisbane Heat
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Danni Wyatt-Hodge was retained by Hobart Hurricanes
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Heather Knight stayed with Sydney Thunder
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Deandra Dottin went back to Melbourne Renegades
Additional WBBL Picks
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Amy Jones was drafted by Melbourne Stars
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Sophie Devine was pre-signed by Perth Scorchers
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Amelia Kerr was pre-signed by Sydney Sixers
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Marizanne Kapp was pre-signed by Melbourne Stars
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Nat Sciver-Brunt returned to Hobart Hurricanes
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Chamari Athapaththu was pre-signed by Sydney Thunder
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Alice Capsey joined Melbourne Renegades
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Chloe Tryon was added by Perth Scorchers
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Shabnim Ismail returned to Sydney Thunder
The BBL and WBBL 2025 drafts were packed with high-profile moves, strategic retentions, and a few unexpected developments. While stars like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sophie Ecclestone, and Sophia Dunkley will be key additions, the absence of interest in Jofra Archer and other veterans also underlined how teams are prioritizing form and fitness over past reputation.
Explore full BBL 2025 season analysis and schedule on our website
