Two-time Big Bash League (BBL) champions Brisbane Heat have announced to honor Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, naming a stand at the Gabba ‘Shaheen’s Fan Bay’.
Shaheen will make his debut in the upcoming edition of the tournament after being picked in the overseas draft earlier this year.
The ticket for the Shaheen Bay will go on sale soon, with the dedicated zone active during all five of the Brisbane Heat’s home fixtures at the Gabba. The matches are set to be played on December 19, December 27, January 2, January 10, and January 18.
“Best seats in the Gabba to cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi!”, the franchise wrote in the social media post.
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“Cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi as he brings the heat in BBL15. These are the best seats in the house to support one of the world’s most exciting fast bowlers – surrounded by passionate fans, music, and cultural pride. Show your cultural flair. Make some noise for Shaheen and the Heat!”, it added.
Earlier, Melbourne Stars announced “House of Rauf”, a stand dedicated for Pakistani cricket fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues.
According to Cricinfo, Sumair Ahmad Syed has informed the players and agents of the decision on September 29.
“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the report quoted the notification.
However, the reason behind the decision is unknown. The report further stated that the PCB wants to link the NOCs to a performance-based system for which the criteria have not been made public.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.
Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.
Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.