Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will return home from Australia after sustaining a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL), raising concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Afridi, who was playing for Brisbane Heat in his first BBL season, could only feature in four games before being sidelined. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called Afridi back to start his rehabilitation, ensuring he recovers fully before the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.&nbsp;&nbsp;Afridi picked up the injury while bowling in the 14th over of Adelaide Strikers’ chase during Heat’s match on December 27. He limped off the field, pointing to his right knee, forcing the team to manage without their star pacer. “This was an unexpected injury, and I have been called back by PCB to start my rehab. I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for their support. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon, and meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-ellyse-perry-and-annabel-sutherland-withdraw-from-tournament-replacements-announced-1767095134801">WPL 2026: Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdraw from tournament, replacements announced</a>&nbsp;Afridi’s stint with Brisbane Heat had mixed moments. In his four appearances, he picked up just two wickets with an economy rate of 11.19. In his first match, he was removed from the attack for sending down two waist-high full tosses, deemed dangerous, against Melbourne Renegades. Despite the setback, Heat CEO Terry Svenson praised Afridi’s professionalism and noted that his advice had been valuable for young bowlers in the squad.&nbsp;Afridi has a history of right knee injuries, including a posterior cruciate ligament issue in 2022 that affected his participation in the early stages of the T20 World Cup. He later recovered to contribute to Pakistan’s campaign but picked up another injury in the final, which affected the team’s performance.&nbsp;Ahead of the World Cup, PCB’s decision to call Afridi back emphasises caution, allowing him to fully recover and regain form. Afridi remains one of Pakistan’s key strike bowlers, having led the wicket-taking charts at the home tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also captains Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, leading them to the title last year and performing strongly in knockout matches. With the T20 World Cup only weeks away, Afridi’s rehabilitation will be crucial for Pakistan’s preparations, and fans will be hoping for a quick and full recovery from their premier pacer.

Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi will return from the BBL after a knee injury, starting rehab ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 to regain form for Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars.


Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will return home from Australia after sustaining a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL), raising concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Afridi, who was playing for Brisbane Heat in his first BBL season, could only feature in four games before being sidelined. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called Afridi back to start his rehabilitation, ensuring he recovers fully before the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February-March. Afridi picked up the injury while bowling in the 14th over of Adelaide Strikers’ chase during Heat’s match on December 27. He limped off the field, pointing to his right knee, forcing the team to manage without their star pacer. “This was an unexpected injury, and I have been called back by PCB to start my rehab. I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for their support. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon, and meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.” Also read | WPL 2026: Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdraw from tournament, replacements announced Afridi’s stint with Brisbane Heat had mixed moments. In his four appearances, he picked up just two wickets with an economy rate of 11.19. In his first match, he was removed from the attack for sending down two waist-high full tosses, deemed dangerous, against Melbourne Renegades. Despite the setback, Heat CEO Terry Svenson praised Afridi’s professionalism and noted that his advice had been valuable for young bowlers in the squad. Afridi has a history of right knee injuries, including a posterior cruciate ligament issue in 2022 that affected his participation in the early stages of the T20 World Cup. He later recovered to contribute to Pakistan’s campaign but picked up another injury in the final, which affected the team’s performance. Ahead of the World Cup, PCB’s decision to call Afridi back emphasises caution, allowing him to fully recover and regain form. Afridi remains one of Pakistan’s key strike bowlers, having led the wicket-taking charts at the home tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. He also captains Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, leading them to the title last year and performing strongly in knockout matches. With the T20 World Cup only weeks away, Afridi’s rehabilitation will be crucial for Pakistan’s preparations, and fans will be hoping for a quick and full recovery from their premier pacer.

Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi will return from the BBL after a knee injury, starting rehab ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 to regain form for Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars.

Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi ruled out of BBL, set to return home

In an utterly disastrous BBL debut for Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, he was asked to stop his spell after bowling just 2.4 overs in Brisbane Heat’s 2025-26 clash against Melbourne Renegades. Afridi, making his Big Bash League debut, had a rough outing in Geelong. In the 18th over of the Renegades’ innings, he bowled two waist-high full tosses; one each to Tim Seifert and Ollie Peake, which were deemed dangerous, forcing Heat captain Nathan McSweeney to bowl the final two deliveries of the over. Afridi finished with figures of 0-43, including three no-balls and two wides, in a debut that started with promise but quickly turned into a nightmare.&nbsp;The young pacer initially showed control, bowling three dot balls in the second over, but struggled to maintain line and length as the innings progressed. He was brought back in the 13th over during the Renegades’ power surge, but conceded 19 runs before his horror 18th over. His debut highlighted the challenges international bowlers face when adapting to fast-paced T20 conditions in Australia.&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-lionel-messi-gets-india-vs-usa-t20-world-cup-ticket-and-jersey-from-icc-chair-jay-shah-in-new-delhi-1765800373741"> WATCH – Lionel Messi gets India vs USA T20 World Cup ticket and jersey from ICC Chair Jay Shah in New Delhi</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wow. On his BBL debut, Shaheen Afridi has been removed from the attack! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBL15?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBL15</a> <a href="https://t.co/IhDLsKFfJi">pic.twitter.com/IhDLsKFfJi</a>&mdash; KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBL/status/2000502774895653003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mohammad Rizwan, Afridi’s Pakistan teammate, also made his BBL debut for the Renegades but had a quiet day with the bat, scoring only four runs before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley. Meanwhile, Seifert and Peake punished the Heat attack, scoring 102 off 56 balls and 57 off 29 balls, respectively, helping the Renegades post a massive 212 for 5.&nbsp;Despite the tough start, Afridi remains a key figure for Pakistan cricket. Fans and analysts noted that while his debut was rocky, it also provided a learning experience for the young pacer in handling high-pressure T20 scenarios. The Brisbane Heat will hope Afridi can bounce back in the coming matches, strengthening their pace attack and proving his worth in the league.

Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disastrous BBL debut for Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades, conceding 43 runs in 2.4 overs, removed for dangerous bowling in Geelong.


In an utterly disastrous BBL debut for Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, he was asked to stop his spell after bowling just 2.4 overs in Brisbane Heat’s 2025-26 clash against Melbourne Renegades. Afridi, making his Big Bash League debut, had a rough outing in Geelong. In the 18th over of the Renegades’ innings, he bowled two waist-high full tosses; one each to Tim Seifert and Ollie Peake, which were deemed dangerous, forcing Heat captain Nathan McSweeney to bowl the final two deliveries of the over. Afridi finished with figures of 0-43, including three no-balls and two wides, in a debut that started with promise but quickly turned into a nightmare. The young pacer initially showed control, bowling three dot balls in the second over, but struggled to maintain line and length as the innings progressed. He was brought back in the 13th over during the Renegades’ power surge, but conceded 19 runs before his horror 18th over. His debut highlighted the challenges international bowlers face when adapting to fast-paced T20 conditions in Australia. Also read | WATCH – Lionel Messi gets India vs USA T20 World Cup ticket and jersey from ICC Chair Jay Shah in New Delhi

Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disastrous BBL debut for Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades, conceding 43 runs in 2.4 overs, removed for dangerous bowling in Geelong.

Pakistan's premium pacer Afridi removed from attack in horror BBL debut - Here's why!

Recently retired India spinner Ravi Ashwin's Big Bash League (BBL) debut has been put on hold. The spinner had undergone a knee surgery recently which has caused his debut to be postponed. Sydney Thunder, BBL franchise Ashwin was supposed to play for, is however, looking at ways to bring the spinner in the country for the tournament and attend some matches in non-playing capacity. Ashwin, if made his debut, would have been the first capped Indian player to participate in the Australia-based BBL but alas, that has to wait for a few months now. The BBL 2025-26 will be played from December 14 to January 25.<h2>Ashwin's BBL debut put on hold</h2>"I'm gutted to miss BBL|15," Ashwin was quoted as saying in a Thunder statement. "My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I'm grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they've already shown me. Trent [Copeland, Thunder general manager] and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashwin-lauds-world-cup-winning-india-women-s-team-for-a-gesture-men-s-team-has-never-done-1762228584701">Ashwin lauds India women's team for a gesture men's team 'has never done'</a>"If rehab and travel plans allow, I'd love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year," the statement further added.<h2>Ashwin's journey to BBL</h2>After retiring from international cricket and IPL earlier this year, Ashwin became eligible to play in leagues based out of India. He was initially supposed to play in a few matched in the upcoming BBL 2025-26 because of his potential participation in UAE-based ILT20. The spinner, however, went unsold in the ILT20 auction and made himself available for the entire BBL season.Ashwin played for five franchises in IPL from 2009 to 2025 season including Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with whom he won two titles. In 221 IPL matches, Ashwin picked up 187 wickets and features in top-five wicket-takers of the league. He is known for bringing guile and new variations to the game including his famous carrom ball.

The spinner had undergone a knee surgery recently which has caused his debut to be postponed. Sydney Thunder, BBL franchise Ashwin was supposed to play for, is however, looking at ways to bring the spinner in the country for the tournament and attend some matches in non-playing capacity.

Recently retired India spinner Ravi Ashwin's Big Bash League (BBL) debut has been put on hold. The spinner had undergone a knee surgery recently which has caused his debut to be postponed. Sydney Thunder, BBL franchise Ashwin was supposed to play for, is however, looking at ways to bring the spinner in the country for the tournament and attend some matches in non-playing capacity. Ashwin, if made his debut, would have been the first capped Indian player to participate in the Australia-based BBL but alas, that has to wait for a few months now. The BBL 2025-26 will be played from December 14 to January 25. Ashwin's BBL debut put on hold "I'm gutted to miss BBL|15," Ashwin was quoted as saying in a Thunder statement. "My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I'm grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they've already shown me. Trent [Copeland, Thunder general manager] and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation. Also Read - Ashwin lauds India women's team for a gesture men's team 'has never done' "If rehab and travel plans allow, I'd love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year," the statement further added. Ashwin's journey to BBL After retiring from international cricket and IPL earlier this year, Ashwin became eligible to play in leagues based out of India. He was initially supposed to play in a few matched in the upcoming BBL 2025-26 because of his potential participation in UAE-based ILT20. The spinner, however, went unsold in the ILT20 auction and made himself available for the entire BBL season. Ashwin played for five franchises in IPL from 2009 to 2025 season including Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with whom he won two titles. In 221 IPL matches, Ashwin picked up 187 wickets and features in top-five wicket-takers of the league. He is known for bringing guile and new variations to the game including his famous carrom ball.

The spinner had undergone a knee surgery recently which has caused his debut to be postponed. Sydney Thunder, BBL franchise Ashwin was supposed to play for, is however, looking at ways to bring the spinner in the country for the tournament and attend some matches in non-playing capacity.

Ravi Ashwin not going to play for Sydney Thunder in upcoming BBL season - Here's why

Weeks after former Indian Test ace Ravichandran Ashwin confirmed his BBL 2025 participation - becoming the first high-profile player from the country to feature in this T20 league, Aussie bowling great Mitchell Starc put his name in the mix too. The left-arm quick committed to representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League after an 11-year hiatus, subject to his fitness following the home Ashes that concludes in the first week of January. The BBL 2025 will take place from December 14 to January 26.&nbsp;Like the past two seasons, Starc signed up for the Sixers as a supplementary player. However, this time around, his T20I retirement announcement opens the gate for him to feature in the latter half of the tournament. In BBL, each franchise has two supplementary spots to fill, allowing them to sign contracted Cricket Australia players with limited availability, without replacing anyone from the selected 18-man squad.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2025-glenn-maxwell-hopes-to-return-for-india-t20is-despite-wrist-surgery-1759984120691">IND vs AUS 2025: Glenn Maxwell hopes to return for India T20Is despite wrist surgery</a> &nbsp;"I can't wait to pull on the Sixers' fresh magenta playing shirt in BBL|15," Starc said in a statement. "Over the past decade, I've stayed close to the club and, all things going to plan, am excited to get back on the field this summer. The Sixers are close to my heart, and I have great memories of our BBL|01 and Champions League success. My goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans,” he continued.&nbsp;Starc made his BBL debut (for Sydney Sixers) in the inaugural edition, picking six wickets throughout and helping Sixers beat Perth Scorchers to win the first title. He again starred for his franchise during the side’s now-defunct Champions League win in 2012, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. However, during his last full season in 2014, Starc picked up 20 wickets in 10 matches. &nbsp; &nbsp;Speaking highly of Starc and his ability to change the game on his head with a new and old ball, Sixers’ general manager Rachael Haynes said, "Mitch's strike power with both the new and old ball is unmatched, and we hope he will play a vital role in our push towards the finals.”&nbsp; &nbsp;"Even when not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club and we look forward to that leadership playing a major role on and off the field in BBL|15,” he continued. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Starc will next feature in the upcoming ODI series against India starting October 19 in Perth. He will lead the pace attack, including Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis.

The left-arm quick committed to representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League after an 11-year hiatus, subject to his fitness following the home Ashes that concludes in the first week of January.

Weeks after former Indian Test ace Ravichandran Ashwin confirmed his BBL 2025 participation - becoming the first high-profile player from the country to feature in this T20 league, Aussie bowling great Mitchell Starc put his name in the mix too. The left-arm quick committed to representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League after an 11-year hiatus, subject to his fitness following the home Ashes that concludes in the first week of January. The BBL 2025 will take place from December 14 to January 26. Like the past two seasons, Starc signed up for the Sixers as a supplementary player. However, this time around, his T20I retirement announcement opens the gate for him to feature in the latter half of the tournament. In BBL, each franchise has two supplementary spots to fill, allowing them to sign contracted Cricket Australia players with limited availability, without replacing anyone from the selected 18-man squad. Also read | IND vs AUS 2025: Glenn Maxwell hopes to return for India T20Is despite wrist surgery "I can't wait to pull on the Sixers' fresh magenta playing shirt in BBL|15," Starc said in a statement. "Over the past decade, I've stayed close to the club and, all things going to plan, am excited to get back on the field this summer. The Sixers are close to my heart, and I have great memories of our BBL|01 and Champions League success. My goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans,” he continued. Starc made his BBL debut (for Sydney Sixers) in the inaugural edition, picking six wickets throughout and helping Sixers beat Perth Scorchers to win the first title. He again starred for his franchise during the side’s now-defunct Champions League win in 2012, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. However, during his last full season in 2014, Starc picked up 20 wickets in 10 matches. Speaking highly of Starc and his ability to change the game on his head with a new and old ball, Sixers’ general manager Rachael Haynes said, "Mitch's strike power with both the new and old ball is unmatched, and we hope he will play a vital role in our push towards the finals.” "Even when not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club and we look forward to that leadership playing a major role on and off the field in BBL|15,” he continued. Meanwhile, Starc will next feature in the upcoming ODI series against India starting October 19 in Perth. He will lead the pace attack, including Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis.

The left-arm quick committed to representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League after an 11-year hiatus, subject to his fitness following the home Ashes that concludes in the first week of January.

After Ravi Ashwin, Mitchell Starc confirms BBL 2025 participation

bbl-2025

Bbl 2025, News on Bbl 2025, stories on Bbl 2025, articles on Bbl 2025, Bbl 2025 stories at Wion, Bbl 2025 news, Bbl 2025 latest news

bbl 2025

Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi ruled out of BBL, set to return home

Pakistan's premium pacer Afridi removed from attack in horror BBL debut

Ashwin not going to play for Sydney Thunder in upcoming BBL season - Here's why

After Ravi Ashwin, Mitchell Starc confirms BBL 2025 participation