Several prominent Pakistani cricketers, including star batter Babar Azam, are set to participate in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted them, ending weeks of uncertainty that had raised concerns for Cricket Australia and franchises.
Reports from SEN indicate that the PCB had initially put a hold on No Objection Certificates (NOCs), following Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in the Asia Cup final in the UAE. However, the PCB has now made exceptions for players with contracts, allowing them to take part in the upcoming BBL season.
Seven Pakistani players will compete in the 15th edition of the BBL, which will take place from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026. The list includes Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, and Hassan Khan.
Babar Azam will make his Big Bash League debut for Sydney Sixers in the opening match against Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium. Shaheen Afridi is a part of the Brisbane Heat, while Mohammad Rizwan will represent the Melbourne Renegades. Haris Rauf is with Melbourne Stars. Shadab Khan has joined Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali heads to Adelaide Strikers, and Hassan Khan will play for the Renegades.