Watch: Saheen Afridi reveals how Mitchell Starc helped him to improve fast bowling ahead of BBL 2025-26

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi is all set to play for Brisbane Heat in the upcoming Big Bash League season (BBL 2025-26). Ahead of the stint with the Aussie franchise, Afridi faced multiple questions related to star Australia pacer Mitchell Starc.

In the ongoing Ashes 2025-26, when Australia and England were engaged in a pink ball Test, Starc created history. As a left-arm pacer, he became the most successful pacer of Test cricket, surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Despite the historic feat, Starc said that Akram still is the best.

While speaking with Kayo Sports, Afridi claimed that they had conversations when Pakistan faced Australia in the past. According to him, Starc is a legend as well as a role model for young cricketers.

Read More: Watch: Australian allrounder wishes to play for Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Shaheen Afridi reveals how Mitchell Starc helped him to improve his bowling

"Whenever we played against Australia, we had a very good chat. He is a legend, and last time when we met, I told him that I watched your 2015 World Cup bowling spell. He is a world-class bowler. He is a role model for any youngster. He still bowls in the 140+ range; he recently crossed Wasim Akram's record. He has been the best for Australia for many years," Afridi said.

After that, the pacer said how the experienced Aussie seamer influenced him in the past. Influenced by Starc, Afridi started to bowl fuller against the batters.

"When Mitchell Starc played that 2015 World Cup, I played Under-16 cricket for Pakistan. I follow him and try to bowl like him many times," he further added.

Brisbane Heat squad for BBL 2025-26:

Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Callum Vidler, Ollie Patterson, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Tom Alsop, Jimmy Pierson, Shaheen Afridi, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett.