Shaheen Afridi removed from attack for dangerous bowling on BBL debut

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi endured a difficult Big Bash League debut after being removed from the attack for dangerous bowling during Brisbane Heat’s match against Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.

Afridi, who was making his first appearance in the BBL amid significant fanfare, was taken out of the attack in the 18th over of the Renegades’ innings after delivering two waist-high full tosses in succession. The deliveries, bowled to Tim Seifert and Ollie Peake, were both deemed dangerous, prompting the on-field umpires to prevent him from completing the over.

Following the intervention, Heat captain Nathan McSweeney was forced to bowl the final two balls of the over, while Afridi could only smile wryly as he was informed of the decision.

The incident capped a challenging outing for the left-armer, who finished with figures of 0 for 43 from 2.4 overs, including three no-balls and two wides. Although Afridi began positively — bowling three consecutive dot balls in his second over — his rhythm soon deserted him as he struggled with his lengths and control.

He was not reintroduced into the attack until the 13th over, when Melbourne activated the Power Surge. That over went for 19 runs, and matters worsened in the 18th, where Afridi conceded 15 runs, including three no-balls, before being removed.

Despite Afridi’s struggles, the Renegades piled on a commanding total of 212 for 5. Tim Seifert led the charge with a blistering 102 from 56 balls, while Ollie Peake added a rapid 57 off 29 deliveries. Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, also making his BBL debut for the Renegades, had a quieter start to the tournament, scoring 4 from 10 balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley.

The match proved a tough introduction to the BBL for Afridi, who arrived with high expectations but will be eager to put his debut behind him in the coming games.