Big Bash League Archives

Pakistan stars cleared to feature in BBL 15: Cricket Australia chief

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

Here are key takeaways from BBL 15 fixtures featuring Pakistan’s star trio

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

Melbourne Renegades GM hails Rizwan signing as major BBL 15 coup

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten has described the signing of Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan as a “massive win” for the franchise in the BBL 15 overseas draft.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Rosengarten couldn’t hide his delight at bringing one of world cricket’s most reliable performers into the Renegades’ setup.

“To bring in a player of Mohammad Rizwan’s calibre at Pick 3 is a massive win for us,” Rosengarten said.

“He’s one of the best in the world—reliable, experienced, and a calm presence both on and off the field.

“He has successfully led teams and will be a great fit for the squad we’re building.”

Rosengarten underlined Rizwan’s versatility and temperament as key assets that will complement the squad being assembled for the upcoming season.

“What makes Mohammad Rizwan so valuable is his ability to anchor an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“With players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown, and Tim Seifert around him, we believe our top order could be one of the most exciting in the competition.”

While Rizwan brings proven stability at the top, his skill behind the stumps also offers the Renegades flexibility with wicketkeeping duties, given the presence of New Zealand’s Seifert in the squad.

“Rizwan is also a world-class wicketkeeper, which gives us options behind the stumps. Both he and Tim will bring great energy to the field,” he further stated.

The 33-year-old batter will be making his BBL debut, having previously starred in other major leagues, including the CPL.

In a video shared by the Melbourne Renegades, Mohammad Rizwan sent a heartfelt message to his new fans.

“Assalam-u-alaikum and good morning, Australia. It’s a great honour to join the Melbourne Renegades. I have always admired how they play with heart,” he said.

“I’m very excited to wear the No.16 jersey, meet the passionate Melbourne fans and give my very best. Inshallah. Thank you.”

READ: Melbourne Stars GM eyes Haris Rauf vs Babar Azam showdown in BBL 15

Shadab Khan thrilled for BBL 15 stint with Sydney Thunder

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has shared his thoughts after being picked up by the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, Sydney Thunder, for the 15th edition of the tournament.

Sharing his thoughts via a social media post, Shadab Khan remained optimistic about participating in one of the global T20 cricket marquee leagues.

“Excited to join @thunderbbl. Always a test to play in the BBL. Australian conditions bring a new challenge each time,” Shadab wrote.

Shadab Khan will play for his fourth BBL franchise, having previously featured for the Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers, and Hobart Hurricanes. Shadab Khan has 14 wickets in 12 matches to his name at an economy of 7.50.

For the unversed, the BBL 15 Draft, held in Melbourne on Thursday, saw six of the eight franchises show interest in Pakistan’s top players, with five national stars eventually earning contracts.

Pakistan’s gap in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) from November to February provides their top cricketers a window of opportunity to participate in the BBL 15.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam was pre-signed by the Sydney Sixers ahead of the BBL 15 draft.

Shaheen’s selection as the No. 1 Platinum pick headlines a strong Pakistani presence in the league this season.

In addition to this, Mohammad Rizwan was picked fourth in the Platinum round by Melbourne Renegades. The seasoned wicketkeeper-batter is aiming to make a strong statement ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.

Speedster Haris Rauf, retained by Melbourne Stars, continues his association with the franchise he has served since 2019. Rauf is currently active in the MLC 2025 with San Francisco Unicorns.

Hasan Ali, selected by Adelaide Strikers, will also make his BBL debut. The experienced right-arm pacer has previously featured in the LPL, CPL, and BPL.

READ: Shaheen, Rizwan among Pakistan players picked in BBL 15 draft

Babar, Rizwan receive PCB NOCs for Big Bash League 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, allowing them to participate in various global franchise leagues.

Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan have confirmed their availability for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Draft, which is scheduled for June 19.

As a result, the cricket board has issued NOC to the quartet from December 14 to 28.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the PCB provided a list of the 13 players who have been granted NOCs to compete in overseas leagues worldwide.

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have specifically received NOCs to take part in the Big Bash League in 2025. The PCB issued these NOCs to the three senior players, who have been absent from Pakistan’s T20I squad recently.

Earlier this year, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the national team for the T20I series against New Zealand. They, along with Shaheen Afridi, also missed the recent T20I home series against Bangladesh.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Additionally, the cricket board issued an NOC to Mohammad Nawaz, permitting him to first participate in the Guyana Super League, followed by participation in another unnamed league.

Muhammad Hassan Khan has also received clearance from the PCB to play in the same unnamed league.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has been granted an NOC until July 18 to play for Essex in the T20 Blast.

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has been granted an NOC to represent Leicestershire in the County Championship until September 1.

Furthermore, the PCB issued NOCs to pacers Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, and Khurram Shahzad for participation in the County Championship.

Emerging Batter Khawaja Nafay has also received permission to participate in the Global Super League.

READ: Pakistan, West Indies set to scrap ODIs from bilateral series: Reports

Mitchell Starc makes shocking revelation regarding retirement plans

Star Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has made a shocking revelation regarding his future in the Big Bash League (BBL).

The veteran bowler is a regular feature in the Australia red-ball and white-ball squads, however, he last played for Sydney Sixers way back in the BBL 2014-15 season.

While talking about his return to the Big Bash the Southpaw mentioned a busy Australian summer schedule.

“I don’t know, to be honest. As long as the Australian summer is the way it is, where we have two weeks (off), not even – we had 10 days this year,” he told an Australian media outlet.

“If that’s how it is, probably not. If I retire from something, perhaps. Who knows?” Starc revealed.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

It is worth noting here that Mitchell Starc featured in 10 games for Sydney Sixers before he took a break from the Big Bash League.

Reflecting on his memories while playing for the Sixers, the Australian pacer said that he enjoyed playing for the team.

“It’s hard to miss games to try and protect yourself. There’s always risk playing cricket, that’s never going to change. For me, I just want to keep enjoying playing as much cricket as I can. I really enjoy the BBL with Sydney,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Mitchell Starc’s last appearance in franchise cricket came in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after missing several seasons.

Earlier, his compatriot Travis Head had shared that he would only play the IPL and the BBL alongside his national duty.

“I won’t play franchise cricket other than IPL. Big Bash will be the third team I play for, so I won’t play anything other than that at this stage,” said explosive batter in an interview last year.

“I think that gives me the opportunity to have that time off,” Head concluded.

READ: Gautam Gambhir opens up on hype around India-Pakistan clash at Champions Trophy

Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman among Pakistan players to enter BBL draft

Pace sensation Naseem Shah and explosive batter Fakhar Zaman are among the nominations from Pakistan for the upcoming draft of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

Pakistan announced a total of 64 men and 11 women cricketers to participate in the BBL draft, which is scheduled to take place on September 1.

The new nominees will join previously nominated Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan in the draft.

Along with Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman, the new list of nominees includes Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Usman Qadir, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali and Mohammad Hasnain.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s women players Fatima Sana, Nida Dar, Diana Baig, Aliya Riaz, and Nashrah Sandhu as well as rising stars Tuba Hasan and Arooba Shah will participate in the WBBL draft.

The Big Bash League (BBL) is scheduled to kick off on December 15, with Perth Scorchers clashing against Melbourne Stars in the tournament opener in Perth. The tournament will culminate with the final on January 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will run from October 27 to December 1, with the opening game seeing Adelaide Strikers take on Brisbane Heat at the Adelaide Oval.

READ: Usman Khawaja opens up on possibility of coaching Pakistan in future

Tom Curran expresses ‘deep regrets’ over intimidating umpire in BBL

England bowler Tom Curran expressed “deep regrets” on Sunday after losing an appeal over a four-match Big Bash League (BBL) ban for intimidating an umpire, saying he has always respected match officials.

The Sydney Sixers’ Tom Curran, who has played 30 T20 games for England, was slapped with the punishment in BBL following a pre-match incident against the Hobart Hurricanes this month.

It involved umpire Muhammad Qureshi having to move to avoid a collision with him during a practice run.

Curran was charged with “intimidation or attempted intimidation of an umpire, match referee or medical personnel whether by language or conduct (including gestures) during a match”.

He said he has “deep regrets” about the way he reacted.

“Across my decade-long professional career I have always sought to have a friendly and respectful relationship with match officials, which I believe is reflected in the lack of prior code of conduct breaches across the world,” Curran added.

“I am genuinely sorry that I chose to continue to practise my run-up in the direction of umpire Qureshi, and if he ever thought I sought to make physical contact with him.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected.”

In upholding the ban, Cricket Australia general manager Alistair Dobson said match officials must be respected.

“Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game,” he said.

“We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours.”

Sixers head Rachael Haynes said the club accepted the punishment.

“We sought to appeal the original decision based on previous code of conduct cases,” she said.

“Whilst not disagreeing that Tom had breached the code through his conduct, we felt that the charge was inconsistent with other offences. Following the ruling, we respect that not to be the case.”

READ: Usman Khawaja denied permission to have peace symbol on bat: reports

‘Electra Stumps’ introduced in Men’s BBL for the first time

The ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL) saw the debut of innovative colour-flashing ‘Electra stumps’ in men’s cricket after being used in the women’s BBL previously.

The ‘Electra stumps’ made their debut during the BBL match between Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

These stumps use colour-changing technology to flash different colours, depending on the different decisions during the game.

Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh revealed the ‘Electra stumps’ in an official video by BBL and explained how these stumps work.

For the first time in the BBL…

The electra stumps are on show 🪩 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/A6KTcKg7Yg

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2023

They explained that there are five different displays that these stumps will depending on various situations during the match.

The ‘Electra stumps’ will flash the colour red and then fire on a dismissal, meanwhile, in the instance of a batter hitting a boundary, the stumps will shift different colours in an alternate pattern.

In the same way, different colours will be scrolling in an upward motion through the length of the stumps when a batter hits the ball for a six.

The stumps will further show colours red and white scrolling up and down when a bowler bowls a no-ball, while a pulsating effect alternating between purple and blue will scroll in the interval between the overs.

READ: Vazquez scores late against Alaves to send Real Madrid to top of La Liga

Tom Curran vows to appeal after ‘intimidating umpire’ ban

England star Tom Curran has been banned for four Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24 games after intimidating an umpire, but his club Sydney Sixers said Friday it was not intentional and vowed to appeal.

The 28-year-old England international was charged with a “Level 3” offence under the Cricket Australia (CA) Code of Conduct for his altercation with the official during a practice session ahead of the Sixers’ clash with the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11 in Launceston.

Tom Curran was found guilty of the offence at a hearing and Sydney Sixers head Rachael Haynes said the team and the player would “vigorously appeal” the sanction.

CA said Tom Curran completed a practice run-up in which he ran onto part of the pitch and was instructed by the umpire not to.

He moved to the opposite end to complete another practice run-up but the umpire took a position next to the stumps, blocking the player from approaching the pitch.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, the right-arm pacer vowed to appeal, claiming his actions were unintentional.

“Curran contested the charge, and the matter was heard by Code of Conduct Commissioner, Adrian Anderson,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“The Commissioner found that Curran committed the offence and imposed a penalty of four suspension points, equating to four BBL matches.”

Head of the Sixers Rachael Haynes said the club would “vigorously” appeal the sanction.

“Tom and the club maintain that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official, and on legal advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision,” she said.

“We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”

READ: Soumya Sarkar shatters Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record