Sydney, October 25, 2025: Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Todd Greenberg has confirmed that Pakistani cricketers have been cleared to participate in the upcoming 15th season of the Big Bash League (BBL), following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
The announcement ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding the participation of Pakistani players in overseas leagues, after the PCB temporarily suspended the issuance of NOCs last month.
“They’ll all be playing; they’ve all been cleared to play, which we’re really excited about because we’ve got some great Pakistan players in the BBL. We’re looking forward to seeing them here this summer,” Greenberg said on Saturday.
His remarks confirm earlier reports that the PCB had lifted the restriction on foreign league participation. The decision ensures that all contracted Pakistani stars will join their respective BBL franchises as scheduled.
The BBL 15 season is set to feature a strong Pakistani contingent, including some of the country’s top names: Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder).
The star-studded tournament will begin on December 14, 2025, with defending champions Perth Scorchers taking on Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium. The league will run until January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches across Australia.
Greenberg said the return of Pakistani players would not only strengthen the competition but also add to its international appeal.
The confirmation follows a directive issued last month by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed to withhold NOCs for foreign T20 leagues, a move that had caused concern among franchises and players alike.
With the issue now resolved, Pakistani participation in one of the world’s most popular T20 leagues is officially back on track.
