Haris Rauf (R) talks to Shaheen Shah Afridi throughout the ICC males’s Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between Pakistan and Netherlands on the Perth Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Perth. – AFP
Pakistan’s star cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi has warned, on a lighter notice, his teammate and fellow pacer Haris Rauf in opposition to bowling to him forward of his Huge Bash League (BBL) 15 debut.
In a current interview, Afridi — who will symbolize Brisbane Warmth within the upcoming match —cautioned Rauf to not bowl in opposition to him throughout the BBL.
“I hope Haris Rauf doesn’t dare to bowl against me [in BBL]. If he does, I will hit him for a lot of sixes,” Afridi stated with a smile.
Beforehand, throughout his interplay after signing for the Brisbane Warmth following the draft, the 25-year-old was requested which batter’s wicket he would worth essentially the most amongst Babar Azam, Steve Smith, and David Warner.
Afridi selected to not single out anybody, emphasising the significance of all three.
“For me, it’s all three,” Shaheen stated with a smile. “I wouldn’t pick just one because all of them are crucial wickets. They’re key players for their teams, and I’d love to dismiss each of them.”
The previous T20I captain additionally expressed pleasure in regards to the rising variety of Pakistani gamers collaborating in BBL 15, together with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan.
“Yeah, this year, six or seven Pakistani players are taking part in the Big Bash, so I’m really looking forward to playing against them,” he stated.
“We just played together in the PSL, and these guys are big names who have been performing for Pakistan for many years. It’s a great challenge, and I think the crowd, especially the Pakistani fans, will enjoy it whenever we face Babar, Rizwan, and others. Hopefully, we can put on a good show in front of a big crowd,” he added.
The 2-time PSL-winning captain additionally shared his ambition to raise a trophy with Brisbane Warmth, stressing the significance of group tradition and having fun with the sport.
“That will be amazing — to win one more trophy. It would make my first season even more special. In the PSL, we won three trophies, and it’s all about the players and how the management gives you that cushion to enjoy your cricket,” he stated.
“That’s the main thing. I’m really hopeful — Brisbane Heat are a very good side, and I’m looking forward to winning another trophy with them,” he concluded.
It’s pertinent to say that Afridi was chosen as the primary total choose within the BBL Season 15 Draft, held on June 19, with Brisbane Warmth securing his providers.
Six out of the eight franchises confirmed curiosity in signing nationwide group gamers, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan chosen because the third platinum choose, and England’s Luke Wooden chosen second.
This may mark Shaheen Afridi’s maiden look within the BBL, though he has beforehand featured in top-tier leagues such because the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Worldwide League T20 (ILT20), and The Hundred.
Former Pakistan T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan has been signed by the Melbourne Renegades, whereas right-arm pacer Haris Rauf has been retained by the Melbourne Stars.
Former Pakistan U19 all-rounder Hassan Khan can be making a return to the Melbourne Renegades.
Leg-spinner and Pakistan’s present T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has been signed by Sydney Thunder. Star batter Babar Azam was pre-signed by the Sydney Sixers forward of the official draft and is about to make his BBL debut.
Moreover, right-arm pacer Hasan Ali has been picked up by the Adelaide Strikers.
