Adelaide import Tabraiz Shamsi’s “last minute” call up to face the Scorchers almost paid off in Perth as the South African star opened up on a “crazy” 24 hours.
Playing a key role for the Strikers in their 33-run loss to Perth, Shamsi showed plenty of grit to snare the crucial wickets of Mitch Marsh, Cooper Connolly and Ashton Turner.
But it almost wasn’t to be.
The only place to stream every match of the 2025/26 KFC BBL LIVE is on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports. | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Shamsi was playing in the UAE with plans to join the Strikers on January 7 before he got a call asking if he could arrive early – with plans to try and dismantle the Scorchers with spin at Optus Stadium.
But an embassy shutdown almost derailed Shamsi’s hopes of making his Big Bash League debut.
“I just got into Perth last night and here I was a few hours later on the field,” he shared.
“I got the Visa as soon as we could.
“The embassy closed down for New Year’s celebrations so it was a little bit of panic not knowing when I’m going to fly – but my bags were packed.
“To be honest, I don’t know whether it’s a weekend or a weekday – I don’t know what day it is.”
Arriving in Perth on Saturday night, Shamsi only met his new teammates hours before the clash with the Scorchers.
But now he’s got the debut under the belt, the spin star is prepared to take on the competition.
“The Big Bash I’ve always wanted to be a part of it … it’s really nice to finally be part of the comp,” he shared.
“I’ve worn the bib here a lot of times. Whenever I come here with South Africa, they go with four seamers – pace and bounce.
“It was nice to actually get here. I’ve always left here sad as I never got the opportunity to play.”
Opening up on his trademark shoe phone celebration, Shamsi said it’s something fans will see more of.
“It’s basically sometimes when we take a wicket, the umpire checks with the third umpire if it’s out or not out so that’s just me phoning the third umpire to confirm if it’s out or not out,” he laughed.
“There’s a lot of misconceptions that it’s a send off for the batter – but it’s absolutely not that.”
The Strikers’ genius ploy to go spin heavy in Perth almost paid off with Shamsi admitting it was a set plan to try and take down the Scorchers.
“I was only supposed to join later. I got the call like listen you’ve got to get to Perth, we’re going to bowl more spin,” he shared.
“It did work out.
“Maybe teams coming in the future might change their plans as well.
“Me being from South Africa I’ve always known Perth is pace and bounce – you play your fast bowlers.
“(It’s) good planning form our management.”
Shamsi will now head to Adelaide with his new Strikers teammates with plans to face David Warner and his Sydney Thunder on Tuesday.
Discussion about this post