Top Pakistani cricket players, including renowned batsman Babar Azam, are all set to participate in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given the green light for their involvement, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty that had caused concerns for Cricket Australia and the franchise teams.
Initially, the PCB had suspended No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players who wanted to play in overseas T20 leagues after Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in the Asia Cup final in the UAE. However, exceptions have now been granted to players with existing contracts and valid permissions, allowing them to compete in the league.
A total of seven national players are confirmed to play in the 15th edition of the BBL, which is scheduled to take place from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches. The Pakistani stars who will be part of the league include Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, and Hassan Khan. Franchises have gone the extra mile by setting up special fan zones to welcome these players.
Babar Azam is set to make his BBL debut for Sydney Sixers in the opening match against Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium. Meanwhile, Brisbane Heat has signed Shaheen Afridi as their first overseas platinum pick, Mohammad Rizwan will be playing for Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf will continue with Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan joins Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has been selected by Adelaide Strikers, and Hassan Khan will also represent the Renegades.
Reports from SEN indicate that the initial suspension of NOCs had raised significant concerns for Cricket Australia and BBL franchises, as seven out of eight clubs had Pakistani players under contract. Following discussions between Cricket Australia and the PCB, the matter has been resolved, allowing the players to participate in the league as originally planned.
While the specifics of the negotiations behind the scenes remain undisclosed, it is now confirmed that Pakistan’s top cricketers will be part of the BBL, promising fans a season filled with excitement and star-studded performances.