Pakistan pace star Shaheen Shah Afridi got a nightmare start to his Big Bash League (BBL) 2025 journey after being removed from the bowling attack for dangerous bowling during his debut match for Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades in Geelong. The incident of Shaheen Afridi Ban From BBL 2025 quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the early BBL season, especially among cricket fans in the UAE who hailed Pakistan’s star players in overseas leagues.
What Happened to Shaheen Afridi in His BBL Debut?
Shaheen Afridi entered the contest with huge expectations after signing the contract of AED 420,000 (approx AED 10,25,447). However, his outing was disclosed dramatically in the 18th over of the innings of the Renegades.
During that over, Afridi bowled two waist-high full tosses (beamers), one each to Tim Seifert and Ollie Peake. According to the BBL Playing Conditions, repeated dangerous deliveries in an over can lead to a bowler being stopped from bowling further. Hence, exactly that happened in the match.
After the second beamer, the umpires intervened. Hence, Shaheen was forced out of the attack. Still, Heat captain Nathan McSweeney had to complete the remaining deliveries of the over himself. Hence, it summed up a tough night for the Pakistan pacer.
Shaheen Afridi’s Match Figures Explained
The final figures of Afridi read 0 for 43 in only 2.4 overs, including 3 no-balls and two wides. However, he started positively with 3 dot balls in his second over. However, his rhythm deserved him soon after.
He was not introduced into the attack until the 13th over when Melbourne Renegades took the power surge. That over also went for 19 runs. However, things worsened in the 18th overs, where he conceded 15 runs, including the costly beamers that ended his bowling spell.
Overall, Shaheen conceded 34 runs off just 10 balls after his opening over. Hence, it highlights how instantly the momentum shifted against him.
Melbourne Renegades Dominate Brisbane Heat
Melbourne Renegades posted a formidable 212 for 5 in 20 overs by capitalising on the struggle of Heat. Here are the highlights of this knock:
- Tim Seifert starred with a brilliant 102 off 56 balls. Hence, he registered the first century of the BBL 2025-26 season.
- Ollie Peake provided excellent support, smashing 57 off 29 deliveries.
Seifert even picked up run off one of the beamers of Shaheen, which highlights how costly that over proved to be.
Tough Night for Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan Stars
Apart from Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi ‘banned’ from bowling on BBL 2025 debut vs Melbourne Renegades, Mohammed Rizwan also had a forgettable outing in his BBL debut for Renegades. Moreover, Rizwan scored just 4 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Patrick Dooley as he got promoted to No. 3.
The early BBL season has been challenging for the marquee names of Pakistan, Babar Azam, as another debutant. He also managed only 2 runs in his appearance for the Sydney Riders. In short, it was a slow start for Pakistani cricketers in the league.
Shaheen Afridi’s Credentials Remain Strong
Despite the difficult debut, the track record of Shaheen speaks for itself. The 25-year-old has taken 126 wickets in 96 T20Is at an average of 21.26, and 334 wickets in 239 T20 matches overall at 20.75. Hence, one poor night does not define his quality. So, Brisbane Heat will be hoping he bounces back strongly in the upcoming matches.
What does Shaheen Afridi Ban From BBL 2025 mean going Forward?
The ban term refers only to Afridi being stopped from bowling in that specific match. It does not mean that Shaheen Afridi Ban From BBL 2025 entirely. Hence, he has ample opportunity to regain form and justify his high-profile signing.
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