Lahore, December 3, 2025: Pakistan cricketers set to feature in the 15th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), starting December 14, will prioritise national duties over franchise commitments, reports said Wednesday.
The announcement follows the scheduling of a three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from January 7 to 11 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The series will serve as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India from February 7 to March 8.
Australia is also set to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series at the end of January. According to reports, Conditional No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues have been issued to national players, with clear directives to prioritise national duty over franchise cricket. Permanent members of the T20 squad are expected to participate in the Sri Lanka series without exemptions.
The NOCs for the BBL, valid from December 14 to January 28, have been granted to the following players:
- Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali.
- Babar Azam will make his BBL debut with Sydney Sixers.
- Shaheen Afridi joins Brisbane Heat as their first overseas platinum pick.
- Mohammad Rizwan will feature for Melbourne Renegades.
- Haris Rauf will play for Melbourne Stars.
- Shadab Khan represents Sydney Thunder.
- Hasan Ali has been drafted by Adelaide Strikers.
- Hassan Khan will also play for the Renegades.
The 15th edition of the BBL will run from December 14 to January 25, 2026, with 44 matches scheduled in prime early-evening slots across Australia.
