Pakistani players are reportedly expected to prioritize the Sri Lanka T20I series ahead of franchise T20 league appearances.
Sources have stated that while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued conditional No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues, these approvals clearly state that national duty takes precedence.
For the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), players have been granted NOCs covering the period from 14 December to 28 January. Those cleared to participate include Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali.
The BBL’s 15th edition is set to run from 14 December to 25 January 2026, featuring 44 matches scheduled mostly in prime early-evening windows.
Babar is due to make his first BBL appearance for the Sydney Sixers, who face the Perth Scorchers in the season-opening clash at Perth Stadium.
Several other Pakistani stars will also feature across different franchises: Shaheen Afridi joins Brisbane Heat as their top overseas signing, Rizwan will represent Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf returns to Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan heads to Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali has been picked by Adelaide Strikers. Hassan Khan has also secured a deal with the Renegades.
However, Pakistan’s T20 side is set to tour Sri Lanka during this period, with three matches scheduled in Dambulla on 7, 9, and 11 January. The series is considered an important build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka and India will co-host from 7 February to 8 March.
Sources said that any player selected for national duty will be required to join the squad in Sri Lanka, and regular members of the T20 side are unlikely to be excused from the series.
After the Sri Lanka tour, Australia will visit Pakistan for a three-match T20I series at the end of January.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz have received NOCs to compete in the ILT20, valid until 4 January.
