Haris Rauf retained by Melbourne Stars - strategic pick blocks rival bids

The 2025 BBL overseas draft saw strategic moves with Shaheen Afridi going No.1 overall and Mohammed Rizwan picked despite positional overlap. Melbourne Stars' retention of Haris Rauf highlights intense competition to secure key players ahead of the season.

Sources:
ESPNcricinfo
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: ESPNcricinfo
Melbourne Stars have successfully retained Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf by exercising their strategic retention pick, effectively blocking a strong bid from the Adelaide Strikers who targeted him with the No. 2 pick in the Big Bash League (BBL) overseas draft.

Rauf's retention underscores the Stars' commitment to maintaining a potent pace attack, as he has been a vital component of their bowling lineup. The Adelaide Strikers' attempt to poach Rauf highlights his rising value and demand among BBL franchises.

This move comes amid a competitive draft where other Pakistani stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi were also highly sought after, with Afridi going No. 1 overall to Brisbane Heat. The draft saw seven Pakistani players selected, reflecting the league's growing interest in Pakistan's pace talent.

"Rauf will return to Melbourne Stars who needed to use their retention pick to keep him after Adelaide Strikers tried to poach Rauf with pick No.2."

The Stars' decision to retain Rauf ensures continuity and strength in their bowling attack, crucial for their campaign in the upcoming BBL season. This strategic pick not only secures a key player but also prevents rivals from strengthening their squads with his pace and skill.

Overall, the retention of Haris Rauf by Melbourne Stars is a significant development in the BBL player market, reflecting the competitive nature of franchise cricket drafts and the high regard for emerging international fast bowlers.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo
Melbourne Stars have retained fast bowler Haris Rauf using their strategic retention pick, blocking rival Adelaide Strikers who attempted to acquire him with the No. 2 pick. Rauf remains a key asset for the Stars amid competitive bids in the BBL overseas draft.
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The Headline

Haris Rauf retained by Melbourne Stars

Key Facts
  • Haris Rauf was retained by Melbourne Stars who used their retention pick to keep him after Adelaide Strikers tried to poach Rauf with pick No.2.ESPNcricinfo
Rauf will return to Melbourne Stars who needed to use their retention pick to keep him after Adelaide Strikers tried to poach Rauf with pick No.2.
ESPNcricinfo
ESPNcricinfo
Key Stats at a Glance
Adelaide Strikers pick number to poach Rauf
pick No.2
ESPNcricinfo
Background Context

Key early picks in BBL overseas draft

Key Facts
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi was selected No.1 overall in the BBL overseas draft, marking his first nomination for the tournament and joining Brisbane Heat's pace attack with Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, and Xavier Bartlett.ESPNcricinfo
  • Mohammed Rizwan was picked fourth by Melbourne Renegades despite the team already having wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a pre-signing.ESPNcricinfo
Key Stats at a Glance
Shaheen Shah Afridi draft position
No.1 overall
ESPNcricinfo
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