Pakistan’s star cricketers are considering leaving the 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL 15) early so they can join the national team for the T20I series in Sri Lanka before the World Cup, according to reports.
Several players have reportedly told the Pakistan team management that they want to be available for the three T20Is against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on January 7, 10, and 11.
It is worth noting that Pakistan will play their World Cup matches on the same Sri Lankan grounds from February 7, and the players believe time in those conditions is more valuable than staying in Australia.
Concern Over Conditions and Public Perception
Players are said to be worried that going straight from Australian pitches to a World Cup in Sri Lanka, without any proper preparation there, could hurt their performance. They also fear that if Pakistan struggles at the tournament, they will be blamed for chasing league money instead of prioritizing national duty and conditions-based preparation.
The complication is that most BBL contracts were signed before Pakistan scheduled the Sri Lanka series, which has now created a direct clash between franchise and international commitments.
Cricket Australia’s Position and PCB’s Options
Cricket Australia (CA) has so far taken a firm line. CA chief executive Todd Greenberg recently told reporters at Adelaide Oval that the board had received clear assurances about player availability.
Even so, reports suggest Pakistan’s selectors are leaning towards trying out newer players in the Sri Lanka series and may decide not to call back all senior stars from Australia.
If a player chooses to walk away from a BBL contract on his own, he could face heavy financial penalties for breach of contract. The situation changes if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially recalls a player for national duty, as most agreements include clauses that give priority to international commitments.
Tough Start for Pakistan Players in BBL
Pakistan’s big names have not enjoyed the brightest of starts in this BBL season:
- Shaheen Afridi had a rough debut for Brisbane Heat, conceding 43 runs in 2.4 overs and being stopped from bowling further after two beamers in one over.
- Mohammad Rizwan scored just 4 runs off 10 balls in his first game for Melbourne Renegades.
- Babar Azam managed 2 off 5 against Brisbane Heat on debut and followed it with 9 off 10 for Sydney Sixers in his second outing.
