Shaheen Afridi’s debut season in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025 has begun on a worrying note, with the Pakistan fast bowler enduring back-to-back difficult outings for Brisbane Heat.

After going wicketless in his opening match, Afridi was once again expensive in Heat’s second game against Perth Scorchers, conceding 49 runs and managing just one wicket.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 in mind, Shaheen—along with several Pakistan players—opted to feature in overseas leagues like the BBL to sharpen their skills. However, the transition has been far from smooth, with many struggling to adapt to foreign conditions.

Afridi’s BBL troubles began in his maiden appearance for Brisbane Heat, where he leaked 43 runs in just 2.4 overs before umpires intervened after he bowled two beamers, forcing him to stop mid-over. The second outing offered little relief.

He did manage to claim his first BBL wicket by dismissing Finn Allen, who was in destructive form with 79 off 38 balls. But from there, the Scorchers batters took control—none more so than Nick Hobson.

Hobson turned Afridi’s penultimate over into a nightmare, smashing 22 runs off the 19th over, including three fours and a six. Earlier, Cooper Connolly had also targeted Afridi, launching a couple of sixes to pile on the pressure.

Afridi finished with figures of 1 for 49 from four overs, conceding six wides and going at an economy rate of 12.20. To compound his misery, three catches were dropped off his bowling.

The string of expensive spells has sparked a reaction on social media, with fans openly questioning Afridi’s effectiveness in the BBL. While some mocked his struggles, others expressed concern with the T20 World Cup just over a year away.

“Remember one thing, Shaheen is a premium bowler of Pakistan but not for Brisbane Heat. I think Heat didn’t buy the premium version of Shaheen, which is why his performances look ordinary,” wrote one user.

Another posted bluntly, “Shaheen Afridi barbaad ho chuka hai,” while a third suggested Brisbane Heat look elsewhere due to his form.

Despite the criticism, it is worth noting that Afridi has enjoyed a respectable 2025 T20I season for Pakistan. In 21 matches, he has picked up 26 wickets at an average of 21.38 and an economy of 7.42.

While Afridi remains effective with the new ball, his struggles at the death continue to raise questions, especially as the road to the T20 World Cup 2026 begins to narrow.

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