Shaheen Shah Afridi’s highly anticipated Big Bash League debut for Brisbane Heat turned into a disastrous outing as the Pakistan fast bowler was forced out of the attack for dangerous bowling during the season opener against Melbourne Renegades.
Playing at Geelong, the Renegades put the Heat bowlers under severe pressure by posting a massive total of 213 runs, the first time a 200-plus score was registered at the venue in BBL history. Tim Seifert starred with a commanding century, while young Ollie Peake added quick runs to keep the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.
Afridi struggled to find rhythm from the start and conceded boundaries early in his spell. The situation worsened in his third over when a series of waist-high full-toss deliveries were ruled no-balls by the umpires. One of the deliveries struck the batter on the body, raising safety concerns on the field.
Following repeated warnings, the on-field officials invoked the laws regarding dangerous bowling and removed Afridi from bowling for the remainder of the match. His final figures read 0 for 43 in 2.4 overs, marking one of the toughest debuts of his professional career.
Wow.
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 15, 2025
On his BBL debut, Shaheen Afridi has been removed from the attack! #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/IhDLsKFfJi
The incident quickly sparked widespread discussion among fans on social media, with many expressing surprise at the unexpected turn of events in what was meant to be a marquee debut for the left-arm pacer.
Instead of making an immediate impact, Afridi’s first appearance in the Big Bash League became one of the most talked-about moments of the season — a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket.