Australian cricket great Aaron Finch has praised Shaheen Shah Afridi as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket, saying the Pakistan pacer can dismantle any batting lineup when he finds his rhythm.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi can tear a batting lineup apart when he gets it right,” Finch said while speaking on a recent Big Bash League (BBL) podcast.
Shaheen is among the seven Pakistani players taking part in this year’s BBL and will represent Brisbane Heat. Finch said the presence of Pakistani stars adds significant value to the tournament, both in terms of competition quality and player development.
Finch also spoke highly of Babar Azam, recalling their on-field battles in Pakistan. “I played against Babar in Pakistan, and it was almost impossible to get him out,” he said. “I know he’s been a little bit more quiet in the last 18 months, but he’s a world-beater at his very best.”
He also highlighted Mohammad Rizwan for his constant energy behind the stumps, joking, “Mohammad Rizwan never shuts up behind the stumps, but seriously talented.”
Finch went on to describe Pakistan’s players as global superstars who bring immense value to Australian cricket.
“They’re not just Pakistan players, they’re Pakistan superstars, they’re global superstars,” he said. “That’s so important to our game because they’re such great players. I think that knowledge-sharing is crucial, and that’s why having internationals in our competition matters.”
Several Pakistani players will feature in the BBL this season, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The full list includes Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), and Usama Mir (Melbourne Renegades).
