London: Three key members of the ruling Pakistan Super League (PSL) – Masters Lahore Qalandars are ready to lock horns in Australia – but this time, as opponents like Big Bash League (BBL), holds up to another exciting season later in the year.
Pakistan and Lahore Qalandar’s fiery fast bowling duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf along with England and Kents dynamic wicket keeper-Batsman Sam Billings have all been signed by various franchises in BBL.
The trio, which played key roles in Lahore Qalandars’ recent triumph in Pakistan Super League’s 10th edition as well as by helping them become masters in 2023, are now testing their mettle against each other in the high octane Australian T20 league.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, which led Lahore Qalandars to their third win in PSL and thus became the most successful captain in the history of the tournament, is ready to make his BBL debut with Brisbane Heat.
Rauf returns to Melbourne stars, while Billings will donate the green of Sydney Thunder again.
Under Lahore Qalandars’ recent UK Trophy Tour, which celebrated their latest PSL victory, so both Shaheen Afridi and Sam Billings forward to turn towards each other down.
While talking to Pakinomist News, Shaheen Afridi shared his enthusiasm about joining Brisbane Heat and playing on the iconic Gabba.
“I hope I will enjoy my time with Brisbane Heat,” Shaheen said. “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 am very hope that with the team and management I will have some wonderful moments and look forward to doing well for them.”
When asked about the prospect of meeting his teammate and colleague Speedster Haris Rauf in BBL, Shaheen replied with a ramped grin:
“I hope he [Haris Rauf] Don’t dare to toast against me. If he does, I will beat him for a lot of sixes! “
On the other hand, Sam Billings, which has built a strong camera with both Shaheen and Haris during his time at Lahore Qalandars, were equally excited about the upcoming competitions.
“Well, I look forward to meeting Shaheen Afridi,” Billings told Pakinomist. “He is a quality athlete, one of the best bowlers in the world, but I look forward to having some good matches against him. But he is my brother.”
Billings also praised the growing influence of Pakistani talent in international T20 leagues.
“Shadab [Khan] Is there in my team too. So real Pakistani influence, which is great. I mean, the talent in Pakistan for cricket is phenomenal. And it’s just great to see these people get the recognition they deserve. “
As BBL approaches, fans can look forward to some mouth-watering matchups ice when these Qalandars-Vinde rivals take the field. Whether it is Shaheen steaming in on Billings or Haris, who is quadrating against his captain, the tournament promises intense competition and a celebration of cricketing camera.
Other Pakistani cricketers that have signed the upcoming edition of BBL are Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Mohammad Rizwan & Hassan Khan (both Melbourne Renegades), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder).
