As excitement builds around the participation of Pakistan’s cricket stars in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2026, concerns have emerged about potential scheduling conflicts with national duties. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in January, scheduled for 7th, 9th, and 11th January, which overlaps with the BBL tournament timeline.
Conditional No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been issued to national players, allowing them to participate in the BBL while emphasizing that national duties take priority. The NOCs cover the period from 14 December 2025 to 28 January 2026. The players granted these NOCs include Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali.
The 15th edition of the BBL, running from 14 December to 25 January 2026, features 44 matches in prime early-evening slots. Key signings from Pakistan include:
- Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers (BBL debut)
- Shaheen Afridi – Brisbane Heat (first overseas platinum pick)
- Mohammad Rizwan – Melbourne Renegades
- Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars
- Shadab Khan – Sydney Thunder
- Hasan Ali – Adelaide Strikers
- Hassan Khan – Melbourne Renegades
The upcoming Sri Lanka T20I series is seen as critical preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India from 7 February to 8 March. Reports indicate that Pakistan’s national players are expected to prioritize the Sri Lanka tour over their BBL commitments. Permanent members of the T20 squad are unlikely to receive exemptions from the series.
Following the Sri Lanka tour, Australia is scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series at the end of January, making it a packed international schedule for Pakistan’s key T20 players. This balancing act highlights the growing challenge for players navigating commitments between lucrative franchise leagues and national duties.
