Follow UsAfter weeks of uncertainty surrounding their participation, Pakistan’s top cricketers have been cleared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take part in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
The development followed a temporary halt imposed by the PCB on the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players competing in overseas T20 leagues. The decision, communicated to players and agents in late September, had cast doubt over the participation of several Pakistani stars in the 2024–25 BBL season.
Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed that the matter had been resolved and all Pakistani players had received the required clearances. “They’ve all been cleared to play, which we’re really excited about because we’ve got some great Pakistan players in the BBL,” Greenberg said.
“We want the very best players, both here in Australia and around the world, to play in the BBL,” he said, adding that the inclusion of top international talent enhances the league’s global standing,” he added.
Among those featuring in the tournament are Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder).
The BBL season is scheduled to begin on December 14 and will conclude on January 25. Fans can look forward to several marquee match-ups, including Babar Azam facing Shaheen Shah Afridi twice, first on January 5 and again on January 18.
Shadab Khan’s presence in the Sydney Thunder camp adds a lot of excitement as well as he will be playing alongside India’s R Ashwin, who has joined the Thunder for the upcoming edition.