Pakistan’s Shadab Khan celebrates taking a wicket England’s Mike Hewitt in Emirates Previous Trafford, Manchester, Britain. — Reuters/File
Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan on Friday stated that the rising participation of Pakistani gamers in Australia’s Massive Bash League (BBL) has boosted the event’s profile.
The upcoming fifteenth version of the BBL, scheduled to run from December 14 to January 25, will characteristic a complete of six Pakistan worldwide cricketers — Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shadab.
The franchises, that includes Pakistan cricketers, have been expressing pleasure over the arrival of the abroad stars, with some creating particular fan zones at their dwelling grounds named after the gamers.
In the meantime, Shadab, who will symbolize Sydney Thunder within the upcoming version, welcomed the inflow of main Pakistani names, talking throughout a digital media session from Sydney claiming that their mixed presence was giving the league “extra recognition”.
He additionally famous that though a number of Pakistani cricketers have featured within the league through the years, they’ve by no means been in such massive numbers in a single season.
“I’m pleased that major Pakistani names are playing in the BBL this time. The league is getting recognition because of them as well,” stated Shadab throughout a digital media discuss from Sydney.
“Pakistani cricketers have played in Australia before, but never in such numbers and never all at once,” he added.
He additional expressed pleasure over the prospect of taking part in towards his countrymen for the primary time abroad, whereas highlighting the help they get taking part in in Australia, citing their ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2022 marketing campaign within the nation.
“Back home, we’ve played against each other, but this is the first time we’ll be doing it abroad. We’re all looking forward to it. Playing against friends has a different feeling,” Shadab stated.
“Our fans are excited as well; they’re waiting for the BBL to start.
“We performed the T20 World Cup right here in 2022 and acquired nice help. With huge Pakistani names in motion within the BBL, we’ll get lots of help once more.”
Shadab Khan also termed the upcoming BBL “crucial” for him as it would mark his return to professional cricket after a five-month-long layoff due to a shoulder injury, which also barred him from turning up for Pakistan in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 in September.
He further dismissed the notion about him being injury-prone, stressing that the setback is part of the game.
“The BBL is essential for me. I will be again in motion after 5 months. It is a terrific alternative for me, and I wish to take advantage of it,” Shadab shared.
“Accidents are a part of the sport — it’s not as if solely I get injured.”
