Several Pakistani cricketers ready to leave BBL

Final decision on Sri Lanka tour to be made after consultation with selectors

KARACHI:

In preparation for the upcoming World Cup, several Pakistani cricketers are ready to leave the Big Bash League (BBL) and travel to Sri Lanka, although a final decision will be made after consultation with the selectors.
According to details, a number of Pakistani players are currently representing different teams in the Big Bash League. Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, stated yesterday that despite the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Pakistani players would remain available for the entire BBL season.
However, Pakistan’s national team is scheduled to play three T20 matches against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on January 7, 10, and 11, 2026. The World Cup matches, beginning on February 7, will also be held in Sri Lankan venues.
Sources revealed that some Pakistani cricketers have contacted the national “think tank,” expressing their desire to participate in the Sri Lanka series. They believe that the conditions and pitches in Australia and Sri Lanka are completely different, and going straight into the World Cup from Australian conditions could affect their performance.
It is worth noting that when the Big Bash contracts were signed, the Sri Lanka series had not yet been scheduled. Players also fear that if their performance in the mega event is poor, they could be blamed for prioritizing money and league commitments over proper national preparation.
Meanwhile, the selectors are reportedly interested in testing some new players, which is why they are considering not calling senior players back from Australia. However, if any player unilaterally decides to return, they could face significant financial penalties for breaching their contract.
That said, if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially calls players back for national duty, the situation would be different — such a provision exists in every contract. A final decision is expected within the next few days after consultations with players.
Currently, the following Pakistani players are participating in the Big Bash League: Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder).
The tournament will continue until January 25.