Quick bowler Shaheen Afridi (R) will probably be in motion for Brisbane Warmth whereas his teammate in Lahore Qalandars Sam Billings (L) will probably be taking part in for Sydney Thunder in BBL. — Reporter
LONDON: Three key members of the reigning Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) champions Lahore Qalandars are set to lock horns in Australia — however this time, as opponents because the Massive Bash League (BBL) gears up for one more thrilling season later this yr.
Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars fiery quick bowling duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, together with England and Kent’s dynamic wicket-keeper batsman Sam Billings, have all been signed by totally different franchises within the BBL.
The trio, who performed pivotal roles in Lahore Qalandars’ latest triumph in Pakistan Tremendous League’s tenth version in addition to in serving to them grow to be champions in 2023, will now take a look at their mettle in opposition to one another within the high-octane Australian T20 league.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led Lahore Qalandars to their third title victory within the PSL and thus turned probably the most profitable captain within the event’s historical past, is ready to make his BBL debut with Brisbane Warmth.
Rauf returns to Melbourne Stars, whereas Billings will don the inexperienced of Sydney Thunder as soon as once more.
Throughout Lahore Qalandars’ latest UK trophy tour celebrating their newest PSL victory each Shaheen Afridi and Sam Billings had been wanting ahead to going through off in opposition to one another down below.
“I hope that I will enjoy my time with Brisbane Heat,” Shaheen stated. “The special thing about Gabba is that fast bowlers love to bowl there. I’ve played a few matches there in the past and had good success. So I’m very hopeful that with the team and management, I will have some wonderful moments and looking forward to perform well for them.”
When requested concerning the prospect of going through his teammate and fellow speedster Haris Rauf within the BBL, Shaheen responded with a mischievous grin:
“I hope he [Haris Rauf] doesn’t dare to bowl against me. If he does, I will hit him for a lot of sixes!”
However, Sam Billings, who has constructed a robust camaraderie with each Shaheen and Haris throughout his time at Lahore Qalandars, was equally excited concerning the upcoming contests.
“Well, I’m looking forward to facing Shaheen Afridi,” Billings instructed Geo. “He’s a quality performer, one of the best bowlers in the world, but I look forward to having some good battles against him. But he’s my brother.”
Billings additionally praised the rising affect of Pakistani expertise in worldwide T20 leagues.
“Shadab [Khan] is also there in my team as well. So, real Pakistani influence, which is fantastic. I mean, the talent in Pakistan for cricket is phenomenal. And it’s just great to see those individuals get the recognition they deserve.”
Because the BBL attracts nearer, followers can stay up for some mouthwatering matchups — particularly when these Qalandars-turned-rivals take the sphere. Whether or not it’s Shaheen steaming in at Billings or Haris squaring off in opposition to his captain, the event guarantees intense competitors and a celebration of cricketing camaraderie.
Different Pakistani cricketers who’ve signed for the upcoming version of BBL are Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Mohammad Rizwan & Hassan Khan (Each Melbourne Renegades), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder).
