Lahore, October 23: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lifted its earlier ban on overseas league participation, granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to seven national players for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15 in Australia.
According to reports, the PCB’s latest decision allows top stars including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan to take part in the tournament starting December 14, 2025, and running until January 25, 2026.
The move comes weeks after the board had suspended all NOCs for foreign leagues on September 30, citing the need to review its policy and possibly link permissions to performance-based criteria.
Following the clearance, Pakistan’s leading cricketers are set to feature across multiple franchises in BBL 15:
Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers
Shaheen Afridi – Brisbane Heat (first overseas platinum pick)
Mohammad Rizwan – Melbourne Renegades
Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars
Shadab Khan – Sydney Thunder
Hasan Ali – Adelaide Strikers
Hassan Khan – Melbourne Renegades
The announcement has generated excitement among fans, especially after the Sydney Sixers unveiled a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” to celebrate Babar’s debut in the league — a first-of-its-kind tribute by an Australian franchise.
The BBL 15 will feature 44 matches, beginning with a blockbuster clash between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium.
PCB’s decision to reinstate NOCs is expected to strengthen player exposure and enhance Pakistan’s global presence in franchise cricket.
