Tag: BBL 15

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has expressed his excitement to don the Melbourne Renegades colours in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

In a video shared by the BBL’s official social media handles, Rizwan opened up about his admiration for Australian cricket and his hunger for new challenges.

“Look, my career, I always love challenges,” Rizwan said.

“And I have seen the cricket of Australia. The way I have played against these guys, they are challenging players. I love the way they play.”

The Pakistan star praised the Australian cricketing mindset, highlighting their discipline and clarity in execution.

“It doesn’t matter what the world is doing; Australian players always stick to their plans. Whatever they decide, they go for it, no matter the situation,” he added.

Set to join a new dressing room for the first time in a major franchise league outside Asia, Mohammad Rizwan shared his enthusiasm about integrating into the Renegades setup and learning from the experience.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I always love challenges, the atmosphere of the stadium, the people, the cricketers, I love them all,” he added.

“The cricket in the Big Bash is very competitive; it’s not easy cricket. Every game tests you.”

Calling the Renegades his “new family,” Rizwan expressed confidence that the experience would be both enjoyable and rewarding.

“Yes, the Renegades might be a new family for me, but they have a great history. We’ll enjoy our time together, let’s see what happens there,” he concluded.

The 15th season of the Big Bash League is set to begin on December 14, 2025, featuring 44 matches.

The opening fixture will see Perth Scorchers take on Sydney Sixers at the Perth Stadium, a contest that will also mark Babar Azam’s much-anticipated BBL debut.

READ: Pakistan wrestler Hasan Ali advances to Asian Youth Games Quarter-finals

Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg has confirmed that Pakistan players have been cleared to participate in the upcoming 15th season of the Big Bash League (BBL), following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

The development comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the participation of Pakistani cricketers in overseas leagues.

The PCB had earlier announced a temporary halt on issuing NOCs for foreign T20 tournaments, sparking concerns over the availability of several star players contracted by BBL franchises.

However, Greenberg confirmed on Saturday that the matter has now been resolved, with all Pakistani players set to arrive as scheduled for the tournament.

“They’ll all be playing, they’ve all been cleared to play, which we’re really excited about because we’ve got some great Pakistan players in the BBL. We’re looking forward to seeing them here this summer,” Greenberg stated.

The confirmation ends speculation that had been circulating since PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed issued a directive last month to withhold NOCs for overseas leagues.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Earlier this week, sources within the PCB hinted that the restriction had been lifted, and Greenberg’s remarks now make it official.

BBL 15 will witness a strong Pakistani presence, with some of the country’s biggest names set to feature across franchises.

Babar Azam will turn out for the Sydney Sixers, Shaheen Shah Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers, Mohammad Rizwan for Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars, and Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder.

The star-studded season will kick off on December 14, 2025, with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium.

The tournament will run until January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches in total.

READ: Graeme Cremer returns to Zimbabwe squad after seven-year hiatus

The Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 will embrace a distinctly Pakistani flavour as the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers introduce fan zones to celebrate their superstar signings, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.

The Renegades have unveiled the ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ at Marvel Stadium ahead of their New Year’s Day clash against the Sixers, marking one of the most anticipated fixtures of BBL 15.

The franchise announced the initiative through its social media platforms, captioning the post: “Kicking 2026 off with a bang! Two icons. One bay. An electric atmosphere. Don’t miss it!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Melbourne Renegades (@renegadesbbl)

Meanwhile, the Sixers have launched “Babaristan,” a special fan zone dedicated to former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sydney Sixers (@sixersbbl)

“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the franchise said in its official statement.

Fans will get their first glimpse of Babaristan when the Sixers open their campaign against the Adelaide Strikers on December 17.

The BBL’s 15th edition, running from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches, all scheduled in early-evening slots to attract maximum viewership.

The tournament kicks off with a blockbuster clash between two powerhouse sides, the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, at Perth Stadium.

WATCH: Ali Tareen responds to PCB’s legal notice with apology video

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

According to a report, seven Pakistan cricketers are set to feature in the 15th edition of the tournament.

This comes after the PCB had suspended the NOCs for players to participate in the overseas T20 leagues on 30 September 2025.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the board had said.

However, the reason behind the decision was unknown, with reports stating that PCB wanted to link the NOCs to a performance-based system.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, the BBL starts on 14th December, with major Pakistani stars like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan set to feature in the league.

Earlier today, Sydney Sixers rolled out a grand welcome for Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam, announcing the launch of a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

Babar’s inclusion has already created a wave of anticipation, with the Sixers’ fanbase preparing to turn sections of the stands into “Babaristan,” a symbolic nod to Pakistan’s deep-rooted cricket passion.

The upcoming edition of the tournament promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring 44 matches between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.

The tournament opener will see the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in a blockbuster encounter at Perth Stadium.

Besides Babar, pacer Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will represent the Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has joined the Adelaide Strikers, and all-rounder Hassan Khan will return to the Renegades.

READ: Sydney Sixers unveil ‘Babaristan’ fan zone to welcome Babar Azam

Australia ace pacer Mitchell Starc is set to join Pakistan star batter Babar Azam at the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

The announcement came via the Sixers’ social media handle, where the team wrote about the Pacer’s return to the side.

“After 11 seasons, Mitch Starc is back in magenta. He’s expected to link up with the squad following the Ashes series,” the caption read.

Starc, who recently announced his retirement from T20I cricket, highlighted his post-Ashes commitments.

“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage,” Starc said

“An opportunity to play some BBL cricket, I’ve obviously been a part of the small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost. But post that, it’s obviously my intention to be available to play some part if called upon,” he remarked.

The left-arm pacer’s last appearance in the tournament came in the 2014-15 BBL edition. Overall, he has represented the side in 10 matches, scalping 20 wickets at an impressive average of 14.85 and an economy rate of 7.92.

Starc’s addition will bolster an already stacked Sixers side, featuring the likes of Babar Azam, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood.

For context, BBL 15 is expected to be one of the most anticipated seasons in the tournament’s history, with various stars from around the globe set to take the stage at the end of this year.

Notably, Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

The opening match of the BBL 15 will be played between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers on December 14 in Perth.

READ: Asian Cup Qualifiers: Otis misses penalty as Pakistan held by Afghanistan

Two-time Big Bash League (BBL) champions Brisbane Heat have announced to honor Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, naming a stand at the Gabba ‘Shaheen’s Fan Bay’.

Shaheen will make his debut in the upcoming edition of the tournament after being picked in the overseas draft earlier this year.

The ticket for the Shaheen Bay will go on sale soon, with the dedicated zone active during all five of the Brisbane Heat’s home fixtures at the Gabba. The matches are set to be played on December 19, December 27, January 2, January 10, and January 18.

“Best seats in the Gabba to cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi!”, the franchise wrote in the social media post.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi as he brings the heat in BBL15. These are the best seats in the house to support one of the world’s most exciting fast bowlers – surrounded by passionate fans, music, and cultural pride. Show your cultural flair. Make some noise for Shaheen and the Heat!”, it added.

Earlier, Melbourne Stars announced “House of Rauf”, a stand dedicated for Pakistani cricket fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues.

According to Cricinfo, Sumair Ahmad Syed has informed the players and agents of the decision on September 29.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the report quoted the notification.

However, the reason behind the decision is unknown. The report further stated that the PCB wants to link the NOCs to a performance-based system for which the criteria have not been made public.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

READ: PCB suspends players’ NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to link up with Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan at Sydney Thunder after sealing a two-season deal with the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise.

The move makes Ashwin the first capped Indian men’s cricketer to feature in the competition, marking a breakthrough moment in league history.

While Indian players have been a regular feature in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), BCCI restrictions have long prevented active men’s internationals from playing overseas franchise cricket.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sydney Thunder (@thunderbbl)

Ashwin’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year cleared the path for overseas stints.

Several franchises pursued the veteran spinner for his maiden BBL stint. After discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) officials and multiple clubs, Ashwin chose Sydney Thunder, with general manager Trent Copeland leading the negotiations.

The Thunder, coached by Trevor Bayliss and captained by David Warner, finished as finalists last season.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Ashwin’s addition strengthens their spin department at Engie Stadium, one of the most spin-friendly venues in the BBL.

He joins a squad that already includes overseas recruits Shadab Khan, Sam Billings, and Lockie Ferguson, alongside local spinners Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, and Tom Andrews.

The off-spinner also secured a separate marketing agreement with Cricket Australia, ensuring his presence boosts both on-field competition and off-field promotion.

READ: Former captain urges recall of Babar, Rizwan Naseem to Pakistan T20I side

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is on the verge of creating history as the first capped Indian male cricketer to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

Four franchises, the Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, and Adelaide Strikers, are reportedly in the race to secure his services for the latter stages of the upcoming season, with the Thunder and Hurricanes emerging as frontrunners.

A final decision is expected later this week.

Ashwin’s potential signing comes at a time when the BBL has also seen a surge of Pakistani talent, raising the possibility of an Indo-Pak reunion in Australia.

For India, Ashwin’s participation marks a historic moment. No internationally capped Indian male player has previously featured in the BBL, largely due to BCCI regulations that prohibit only retired cricketers from participating in overseas franchise leagues.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Ashwin’s decision to step away from the IPL earlier this year has now opened the door for him to explore opportunities abroad.

In recent years, several former Indian stars have pursued similar paths. Dinesh Karthik appeared for Paarl Royals in the SA20, Ambati Rayudu played in the CPL and ILT20, while Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Suresh Raina have also represented franchises overseas.

Ravichandran Ashwin has already registered for the ILT20 auction in the UAE, set for next Tuesday.

If signed, he will feature in the tournament from December 2 to January 4. The BBL season runs from December 14 to January 25, leaving him available for three to four matches plus the finals should his team qualify.

READ: Pakistan set to depart for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 today

Melbourne Stars General Manager Max Abbott has revealed the key reason behind the selection of Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025.

In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Abbott shed light on the selection of Pakistani players in the BBL 15 draft, particularly Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars.

“We have retained Haris Rauf in the green team squad. Melbourne Stars needed a bowler who could bowl with 150 km/h pace because nowadays you don’t find too many bowlers bowling with that speed,” he said.

“Our squads’ local and overseas players love Haris Rauf playing in the BBL. One of the fierce battles will be between Babar Azam and Haris Rauf in the upcoming edition of BBL 15,” he added.

Moreover, Max Abbott also stated that many Pakistani players have fond memories of the 1992 World Cup, which was held in Australia.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Pakistan cricket team has great memories of the 1992 World Cup held in Australia. During that time, Pakistan and Australia had very memorable encounters,” Abbott said.

“When the Australian team toured Pakistan, it was suitable for everyone. Pakistani fans love the Australian player, Melbourne Stars GM added.

Regarding the Melbourne Stars’ plan to visit Pakistan for exhibition matches, he elaborated that it all depends on the players’ availability and an invitation from Pakistan.

“Currently, there are no plans to tour Pakistan with our team. Players’ availability and other matters also need to be considered. Players are presently busy with the season. However, we can consider receiving an invitation from Pakistan, he concluded.

For the unversed, in 22 BBL matches, Haris Rauf has bagged 36 wickets at an economy of 7.75, and remains one of the most dangerous bowlers at the death.

Rauf’s retention comes amid a strong Pakistan presence in BBL 15, with Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali all picked up by various franchises during the draft.

READ: Bangladesh name T20I squad for Pakistan series

The eagerly awaited Big Bash League (BBL) 15 fixtures have been announced, featuring Pakistan’s star trio Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan.

BBL 15 is set to commence from December 14 to January 25, 2026, with a total of 44 games played across various venues in Australia. The highlight of this year’s edition is Pakistan’s ace players who are set to make their debut.

Babar Azam Debut 

One of the most notable aspects of BBL 15 will be the debut of Pakistan’s ace batter, Babar Azam, who will be playing for the Sydney Sixers in the opening match of the tournament.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KFC Big Bash League (@bbl)

The season opener will be played between the two most successful teams of the tournament, the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers, on December 14 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Renegades vs Heat clash ft Rizwan, Shaheen

The Melbourne Renegades will kick off their BBL 15 campaign against Brisbane Heat on December 15, with Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Afridi and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan making their tournament debuts.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Melbourne Renegades will begin their tournament with two home matches at Geelong

Australia Test Players Return After Ashes

With the much-anticipated Ashes series concluding on January 8, several Australian Test players may return to action, depending on their availability.

Those players currently part of the Test squad and having BBL contracts include Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Beau Webster, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, and Scott Boland.

The BBL franchises are permitted to select a maximum of two Cricket Australia-contracted players for the supplementary list, subject to their availability.

Derbies And Rivalries

The BBL 15 fixtures are packed with exciting rivalries, starting with a rematch of last year’s final between the Sydney Thunder and the Hobart Hurricanes on December 16.

The Melbourne derbies, featuring the Renegades and Stars, will take place on January 4 and 10 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Marvel Stadium, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Smash, a high-stakes encounter between Thunder and Sixers, is scheduled to take place on December 20 at the ENGIE Stadium, with the second fixture set for January 16 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

READ: Pakistan Champions unveil new jersey for WCL 2025