• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Shaheen Afridi Targets Iconic Gabba Glory In Bbl Debut With Brisbane Heat Lot Of Memories

Shaheen Afridi Targets Iconic Gabba Glory In BBL Debut With Brisbane Heat "Lot Of Memories.."

Sakshi Sharma

Shaheen Afridi with PSL trophy (Source:@sshayaannn,x.com)Shaheen Afridi with PSL trophy (Source:@sshayaannn,x.com)

Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has set his sights on replicating the legendary Mitchell Johnson’s fiery spells at the Gabba as he prepares to make his Big Bash League (BBL) debut for Brisbane Heat in the upcoming Season 15.

In a video message released on Monday via the official Big Bash League account on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi reflected on his admiration for the Australian pacer and his historic performances at the Gabba, particularly during the 2013 Ashes series.

"As a fast bowler, we always hear about Australia, and the fast wickets (and) for fast bowling, Gabba is the place to bowl. I already have a lot of memories of the Gabba. I have played international games there, and I remember that spell by Mitchell Johnson in 2013, that was a special one."  Shaheen told The Surge podcast.

The left-arm quick expressed enthusiasm about returning to the venue that holds personal significance, the ground where he began his Test career for Pakistan.

BBL Debut For  Shaheen Afridi

The 25-year-old speedster was the first overall pick in the BBL Season 15 Draft, held last week.  The star bowler will play for Brisbane Heat as he his services was secured in the platinum category. Afridi’s signing has been met with high expectations, with fans anticipating his ability to exploit the pace and bounce of Australian wickets.

This marks Shaheen’s maiden appearance in the Big Bash League, though he is no stranger to franchise cricket, having previously played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the International League T20 (ILT20), and The Hundred in England.

Strong International Interest In BBL Draft

The BBL 15 Draft saw a strong interest in international talent. Notably, Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan was the third platinum pick, while England’s left-arm seamer Luke Wood was selected second overall.

Shaheen Afridi’s arrival in the BBL is expected to draw significant attention from fans both in Australia and Pakistan.