Lahore( The COW News Digital)-Several leading Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, are set to feature in the upcoming season of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after receiving official clearances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to sources, the PCB has granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players with existing franchise contracts, allowing them to participate in the T20 tournament beginning December 14. Both the players and Cricket Australia have been formally notified of the decision.
This development comes weeks after the PCB had temporarily put a hold on issuing NOCs for foreign leagues, citing player workload management and domestic cricket priorities. However, the board later decided to make exceptions for players who already had signed agreements with BBL franchises.
Seven Pakistani cricketers are expected to take part in the new season:
Babar Azam Shaheen Shah Afridi Haris Rauf Shadab Khan Mohammad Rizwan Hasan Ali Hassan Khan
BBL teams have expressed strong interest in the participation of Pakistani players, who remain among the most sought-after T20 talents globally. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s all-format star, is expected to be one of the headline attractions of the league.
In a move celebrating his growing fan base, Sydney Sixers have announced the creation of a special “Babaristan Fan Zone” ahead of the season, allowing fans to engage with exclusive Babar-related content, merchandise, and events.
The inclusion of Pakistani players is expected to boost viewership and fan engagement, particularly from South Asia, where cricket remains a dominant passion.
Meanwhile, sources within the PCB emphasized that this decision balances player commitments with national priorities. “The NOCs were granted only after evaluating schedules, fitness levels, and international assignments,” an official stated.
The Big Bash League 2025–26 is set to kick off across major Australian cities on December 14, with teams finalizing their overseas rosters. Analysts believe the participation of Pakistan’s top cricketers could add both star power and competitive edge to the tournament.
With players like Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan returning to Australian pitches, fans are anticipating thrilling matchups — and perhaps a few unforgettable performances that reignite the Pakistan-Australia cricketing connection
