Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has heaped praise on fellow teammate and former captain Babar Azam, calling him a world-class performer admired across the globe.
The left-armer made the comments during his interview with Aaron Finch as the Australian audience got to know more about BBL’s newcomers. The two are set to face off in Australia later this year, when Shaheen Afridi’s Brisbane Heat take on Babar Azam’s Sydney Sixers in the upcoming BBL 15 season—a contest already billed as a marquee battle between Pakistan’s finest.
“Babar Azam performs all around the world, he’s a top performer,” Shaheen said during the interview before underlining his immense popularity. “People love him, he performs on the international level at big stages,” Shaheen added.
The two have shared countless moments as teammates in green, but BBL 15 will put them on opposite sides—with Shaheen leading the attack for the Heat and Babar likely anchoring the Sixers’ top order. Both were high-profile picks in this year’s overseas draft, and their showdown is being eagerly awaited by fans in both Pakistan and Australia.
Their respect for one another, however, remains mutual and strong. Shaheen’s words not only highlight Babar’s impact across formats but also underline the stature he holds within the Pakistan camp. As a bowler who has dismissed the world’s best across all conditions, Shaheen’s recognition of Babar’s batting speaks volumes.
While the two have battled countless times in the PSL, 2025 will be the first time Babar and Shaheen go head-to-head in the Big Bash, and the matchup is shaping up to be a headline event.
The respect is clear, but come December, the friendship will pause for a few overs as two of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing exports bring their best to Australia’s top T20 stage.