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Big Bash League 2025/26 - Discussion Thread [From December 14, 2025 to January 25, 2026]

Massive Big Bash boost after Indian legend’s surprise $182k snub​

In a massive boost for the Big Bash League, Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has indicated he will play the entire season for the Sydney Thunder after going unsold in Wednesday’s ILT20 Auction.

Last week, the Thunder announced the landmark signing of Ashwin for the 15th edition of the BBL, with the 39-year-old becoming the first capped Indian player to feature in the Australian T20 competition.

Initially, the off-spinner was set to only be available for the club’s final three matches and the playoffs due to ILT20 commitments, entering the UAE tournament’s auction with the highest base price of US$120,000 (AU$182,000). However, Ashwin withdrew his name from the auction after going unsold in the first round, with none of the six franchises showing interest.

www.foxsports.com.au

Massive Big Bash boost after Indian legend’s surprise $182k snub

Massive Big Bash boost after Indian legend’s surprise $182k snub
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
 

Pakistan players cleared to play BBL after NOC uncertainty​


Pakistan players with deals in the BBL have been given approval to join the competition after concerns they would be caught up in the PCB's refusal to issue No Objection Certificates for overseas tournaments.

In late September, the PCB's chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed sent a notice informing players and agents of the board's decision to stop players joining T20 leagues. However, on Saturday, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed the Pakistan players would arrive for the BBL as scheduled.


"That came through last week," Greenberg said. "So 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, so looking forward to seeing them here this summer."

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) are those with deals for the tournament that begins on December 14 and runs to January 25.

An eagerly anticipated head-to-head are the contests between Babar and Shaheen which will take place on January 5 and 18. The Pakistan players will also come up against R Ashwin when they face Sydney Thunder, while he and Shadab will be in the same squad.

Thunder's signing of Ashwin was a significant moment for the BBL with the deal becoming season-long after he was not bought at the ILT20 auction. It has prompted talk of whether more Indian players later in their careers will follow Ashwin's path of retiring to explore overseas opportunities, with Virat Kohli's name naturally high on the list even though he has given few clues about his future.

"Short, medium term I think it is realistic over time," Greenberg said of whether more Indian players could join the league. "We're going to keep the dialogue open. I think that Ravichandran Ashwin coming is a really important moment for the BBL and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league. What that manifests over time I think is to be seen. Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL which is an open conversation for us at the moment.

Cricket Australia is currently exploring the potential of private investment in the BBL with Greenberg and chair Mike Baird hopeful of progress being made by the end of the year although there remains some uncertainty of the best path forward among some states.

"We should have aspirations to make sure the very best players, both here in Australia and globally, can play in the BBL," Greenberg said. "That costs money because players have leverage and opportunity to play all over the world. That's one of the primary drivers [for] why we would consider bringing private capital into the BBL so that we can compete on the global stage. We're a small domestic market here, but we're competing globally and to do that we've got to be the best version of ourselves."

A critical extension of that is keeping hold of the best Australian players. A report in Nine newspapers earlier this month said that Pat Cummins and Travis Head had turned down A$10 million offers to sign long-term deals with one of the IPL franchises which has teams around the world.

Greenberg did not have significant concerns about the current group of senior Australia players walking away but said that it could develop into a major issue for the next generation.

"I think it's a realistic concern for everybody that players have leverage and choice to ply their trade all over the place," he said. "But I'd say this, though, every player I talk to, priority A is to play for their country…so that's a really important marker.

"But, and there's a big but here, the next generation is really what I'm focused on. It's not this current crop that I'm as concerned about as the next generation of players. We've got to make sure we find ways for them to stay in Australian cricket, still generate central contracts, still want to play for their country in the same way generations have and this current generation does."

Greenberg was speaking as CA launched a new cricket format at community level for the summer, with the six-a-side Smash Series designed to be played within 60 minutes. The format is viewed as an introductory level to the sport, with six-a-side games, players batting in pairs and the use of different types of softer balls.

africa.espn.com

Pakistan players cleared to play BBL after NOC uncertainty

CA chief says approval has come through and players will join the league as scheduled | ESPN.com
africa.espn.com africa.espn.com
 
Ball Blazer said:

Pakistan players cleared to play BBL after NOC uncertainty​


Pakistan players with deals in the BBL have been given approval to join the competition after concerns they would be caught up in the PCB's refusal to issue No Objection Certificates for overseas tournaments.

In late September, the PCB's chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed sent a notice informing players and agents of the board's decision to stop players joining T20 leagues. However, on Saturday, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed the Pakistan players would arrive for the BBL as scheduled.


"That came through last week," Greenberg said. "So 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, so looking forward to seeing them here this summer."

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) are those with deals for the tournament that begins on December 14 and runs to January 25.

An eagerly anticipated head-to-head are the contests between Babar and Shaheen which will take place on January 5 and 18. The Pakistan players will also come up against R Ashwin when they face Sydney Thunder, while he and Shadab will be in the same squad.

Thunder's signing of Ashwin was a significant moment for the BBL with the deal becoming season-long after he was not bought at the ILT20 auction. It has prompted talk of whether more Indian players later in their careers will follow Ashwin's path of retiring to explore overseas opportunities, with Virat Kohli's name naturally high on the list even though he has given few clues about his future.

"Short, medium term I think it is realistic over time," Greenberg said of whether more Indian players could join the league. "We're going to keep the dialogue open. I think that Ravichandran Ashwin coming is a really important moment for the BBL and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league. What that manifests over time I think is to be seen. Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL which is an open conversation for us at the moment.

Cricket Australia is currently exploring the potential of private investment in the BBL with Greenberg and chair Mike Baird hopeful of progress being made by the end of the year although there remains some uncertainty of the best path forward among some states.

"We should have aspirations to make sure the very best players, both here in Australia and globally, can play in the BBL," Greenberg said. "That costs money because players have leverage and opportunity to play all over the world. That's one of the primary drivers [for] why we would consider bringing private capital into the BBL so that we can compete on the global stage. We're a small domestic market here, but we're competing globally and to do that we've got to be the best version of ourselves."

A critical extension of that is keeping hold of the best Australian players. A report in Nine newspapers earlier this month said that Pat Cummins and Travis Head had turned down A$10 million offers to sign long-term deals with one of the IPL franchises which has teams around the world.

Greenberg did not have significant concerns about the current group of senior Australia players walking away but said that it could develop into a major issue for the next generation.

"I think it's a realistic concern for everybody that players have leverage and choice to ply their trade all over the place," he said. "But I'd say this, though, every player I talk to, priority A is to play for their country…so that's a really important marker.

"But, and there's a big but here, the next generation is really what I'm focused on. It's not this current crop that I'm as concerned about as the next generation of players. We've got to make sure we find ways for them to stay in Australian cricket, still generate central contracts, still want to play for their country in the same way generations have and this current generation does."

Greenberg was speaking as CA launched a new cricket format at community level for the summer, with the six-a-side Smash Series designed to be played within 60 minutes. The format is viewed as an introductory level to the sport, with six-a-side games, players batting in pairs and the use of different types of softer balls.

africa.espn.com

Pakistan players cleared to play BBL after NOC uncertainty

CA chief says approval has come through and players will join the league as scheduled | ESPN.com
africa.espn.com africa.espn.com
Click to expand...
Good

Can’t wait for the besharams to embarrass themselves.
 
“The PCB have issued NOCs to crap T20 batters from Pakistan to go and make a mockery of themselves”.
 
It's good news for Pakistan cricket.

Scrapping the NOC would have killed relations with th Aussies
 
“The PCB have issued the NOC’s of Babar and Rizwan to go and bounce up and down like kabootars on Australian decks”.
 
BBL this season has some prominent international games. Should be a fun season. Might tune-in just so I have an excuse to play some Fantasy Cricket.
 
Mohammad Rizwan all set for BBL 2025-26
https://twitter.com/x/status/1983068856840270258
Ball Blazer said:

Pakistan players cleared to play BBL after NOC uncertainty​


Pakistan players with deals in the BBL have been given approval to join the competition after concerns they would be caught up in the PCB's refusal to issue No Objection Certificates for overseas tournaments.

In late September, the PCB's chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed sent a notice informing players and agents of the board's decision to stop players joining T20 leagues. However, on Saturday, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed the Pakistan players would arrive for the BBL as scheduled.


"That came through last week," Greenberg said. "So 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, so looking forward to seeing them here this summer."

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) are those with deals for the tournament that begins on December 14 and runs to January 25.

An eagerly anticipated head-to-head are the contests between Babar and Shaheen which will take place on January 5 and 18. The Pakistan players will also come up against R Ashwin when they face Sydney Thunder, while he and Shadab will be in the same squad.

Thunder's signing of Ashwin was a significant moment for the BBL with the deal becoming season-long after he was not bought at the ILT20 auction. It has prompted talk of whether more Indian players later in their careers will follow Ashwin's path of retiring to explore overseas opportunities, with Virat Kohli's name naturally high on the list even though he has given few clues about his future.

"Short, medium term I think it is realistic over time," Greenberg said of whether more Indian players could join the league. "We're going to keep the dialogue open. I think that Ravichandran Ashwin coming is a really important moment for the BBL and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league. What that manifests over time I think is to be seen. Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL which is an open conversation for us at the moment.

Cricket Australia is currently exploring the potential of private investment in the BBL with Greenberg and chair Mike Baird hopeful of progress being made by the end of the year although there remains some uncertainty of the best path forward among some states.

"We should have aspirations to make sure the very best players, both here in Australia and globally, can play in the BBL," Greenberg said. "That costs money because players have leverage and opportunity to play all over the world. That's one of the primary drivers [for] why we would consider bringing private capital into the BBL so that we can compete on the global stage. We're a small domestic market here, but we're competing globally and to do that we've got to be the best version of ourselves."

A critical extension of that is keeping hold of the best Australian players. A report in Nine newspapers earlier this month said that Pat Cummins and Travis Head had turned down A$10 million offers to sign long-term deals with one of the IPL franchises which has teams around the world.

Greenberg did not have significant concerns about the current group of senior Australia players walking away but said that it could develop into a major issue for the next generation.

"I think it's a realistic concern for everybody that players have leverage and choice to ply their trade all over the place," he said. "But I'd say this, though, every player I talk to, priority A is to play for their country…so that's a really important marker.

"But, and there's a big but here, the next generation is really what I'm focused on. It's not this current crop that I'm as concerned about as the next generation of players. We've got to make sure we find ways for them to stay in Australian cricket, still generate central contracts, still want to play for their country in the same way generations have and this current generation does."

Greenberg was speaking as CA launched a new cricket format at community level for the summer, with the six-a-side Smash Series designed to be played within 60 minutes. The format is viewed as an introductory level to the sport, with six-a-side games, players batting in pairs and the use of different types of softer balls.

africa.espn.com

Pakistan players cleared to play BBL after NOC uncertainty

CA chief says approval has come through and players will join the league as scheduled | ESPN.com
africa.espn.com africa.espn.com
Click to expand...
 
Scg has a babaristan section for the crowd
They value him more than us
 
Big Bash League 2025-26: Shaheen Afridi to shoulder Brisbane Heat bowling load amid injury concerns

The question marks over a pair of Brisbane Heat quicks will likely increase the reliance on star import Shaheen Afridi.

Spencer Johnson has an important scan this week but is expected to miss the first half of the Big Bash League season with a back stress fracture.

Up-and-coming pacemen Callum Vidler is in a similar situation after he was sidelined with the same injury in September.

The Heat, which won the BBL title two years ago, still have top-liners Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser but their availability hinges on national selection.

Neser, in particular, is with the Australian Test squad and is in the frame to add to his two Test matches.

The Heat took Afridi with Pick No. 1 in the draft back in June, bolstering what was a strong attack on paper.

Top-order bat Matt Renshaw says the world class Afridi is going to be important in the Heat’s season as they brace for injury findings.

“(Afridi is) obviously a really talented player who has done so well in international cricket and T20 leagues worldwide,” Renshaw said.

“It’s going to be nice having him up our sleeve and depending on some injuries it might be pretty important that we have him.

“I think that’s what you look at the draft for, we obviously had a tough year last year and got that No. 1 draft pick.

“It’s exciting to have someone like Shaheen come in, hopefully he can do a really good job for us.”

Renshaw, who himself is in the frame for national selection, says consistency in the line-up is the key to success in the Twenty20 format.

He expects Xavier Bartlett to continue his ascension by leading the Heat bowling attack alongside Afridi.

“Xavier Bartlett has sort of made a name for himself in that Australian T20 team quite consistently,” Renshaw said.

“Then you’ve got a lot of guys coming through, a lot of exciting quick bowlers, it just depends on what that side looks like for that first game pending injuries.”

The Heat start their season against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong on December 15.

 
Rana said:
After global zalalat for his selfishness,

Now he’s become a team man?
Click to expand...
I did not know the posts by you and your clique classified as global zalalat. Cameron White at Melbourne Renegades clearly rates him hence signed him up
 
Rana said:
“The PCB have issued the NOC’s of Babar and Rizwan to go and bounce up and down like kabootars on Australian decks”.
Click to expand...
Genuinely cannot wait for your whataboutery if he does succeed. I am sure you have 100 excuses lined up when he does actually do pretty well.

Quality of cricket definitely is out of the question since Australia has more talent in its little fingers as a sporting nation than we do
 
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan is committed to making his debut Big Bash season a success:

"If you perform there (Australia), the world will know you."

"I'm very excited to play in the Big Bash,"

"I love the conditions in Australia because it is challenging for batters and bowlers. If you look at my career, an innings in Australia was a career-changer in my life."

"After that series, the people who know me said, 'Oh this is Rizwan, this is the one who performed in Australia',"

"I love the way Australians play. They don't look to what the world is doing, but Australian guys, what they decide, they will do. They play with their heart, they're brave and they're courageous. I love them."

"We have never played against each other in any other league outside of (Pakistan) domestic cricket,"

"We are very close. We're used to sitting with each other and planning for Pakistan or discussing young players.

"This is different. We can't say how we'll be feeling when we play each other, but one thing I can say is that they love cricket and they'll come with energy."

"In PSL when he comes on, he attacks me and I attack him,"

"I will look for boundaries and he will look for a wicket. I will try my best."
 
Our fans can scoff at the idea of Babar etc. playing in the BBL but fact is they are big names that will bring alot of eye-balls to the product which has struggled for relevance in recent years because of the lack of star power, with even Australian regulars missing out because of Australia's home season running during the same time. And it's not just eye-balls; it's fan attendances, it's social media engagement; all this stuff elevates the overall value of the product. Babar's international performances don't change the fact that he is the biggest current cricketing name in Pakistan, and does have a legion of fans.
 
White Australians wish they could drive an aesthetic cover drive like :ba

I expect record BBL attendance and social media engagement when Bobby plays
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Our fans can scoff at the idea of Babar etc. playing in the BBL but fact is they are big names that will bring alot of eye-balls to the product which has struggled for relevance in recent years because of the lack of star power, with even Australian regulars missing out because of Australia's home season running during the same time. And it's not just eye-balls; it's fan attendances, it's social media engagement; all this stuff elevates the overall value of the product. Babar's international performances don't change the fact that he is the biggest current cricketing name in Pakistan, and does have a legion of fans.
Click to expand...
Its sooo good for our cricket man. I am so pleased for them and despite our criticisms of them at times I hope they can all light up the tournament and open pathways for other Pakistani players.

This is one of the areas where we have a slight upper hand over Indians. Our players can go and play other leagues.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
Its sooo good for our cricket man. I am so pleased for them and despite our criticisms of them at times I hope they can all light up the tournament and open pathways for other Pakistani players.

This is one of the areas where we have a slight upper hand over Indians. Our players can go and play other leagues.
Click to expand...
The ones where Indian owners don't own teams that is
 
Aaron Finch must be deluded thinking RizBar &SSA are global superstars , some of the fans here certainly think otherwise
 
Apparently it hasn’t rained here for months but today it rained

What bigger proof do you need that Babar Azam just brings bad news everywhere?
 
Rana said:
Apparently it hasn’t rained here for months but today it rained

What bigger proof do you need that Babar Azam just brings bad news everywhere?
Click to expand...
LOL.... You still obsessed and now blaming babar for rain...

So free
 
1765702074439.png

Update from Perth: Rain has stopped. Fans have started getting into their seats. There are still lightning warnings. The drainage is very good at the Optus Stadium, positive news for the fans.
 
BBL enters new era with Landmark signing of Babar, Sixers already have gained massive social media impact, time to do it on field
 
Babar fans were hoping that the revised rules would turn this into a 50 over contest, not 11 overs :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
Perth win the toss and field first

Aa jao King!

Sydney needs 120+

Banao!!!
 
Megastar signing,

A league where legends like KP, AB and Gayle have carried the reputation they earned

Now this fraud better show what he’s worth! 11 overs, no bs excuses!

Maar!!
 
Babar to Sydney management: “boyz 80 will be winning score”
 
Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (capt), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Joel Paris, Brody Couch, Mahli Beardman

Gun opening pair!
 
Why didn’t this clown tell the management he will not open because that’s not where Pakistan want him to prepare for the T20 World Cup???
 
Expecting lots of social media engagment from Pakistan today. Sixers should be happy
 
I’m telling you these two ullu ke pathay still have their malicious eyes set on the opening spots for the World Cup side!
 
What a fraud

InshaAllah all the games of Pakistan at Colombo are rain effected and the management think 1000 times before playing this joker!
 
Rana said:
I’m telling you these two ullu ke pathay still have their malicious eyes set on the opening spots for the World Cup side!
Click to expand...
I think hes gonna lose his national team spot after horrendous bbl he will have to maaz sadaqat
 
PakFan2010 said:
Babar is finished.

I love to see him getting embarrassed on the world stage.
Click to expand...
At the cost of what though?

We genuinely have a golden chance to play every match in Sri Lanka all the way to the final….

This clown will cost us an important game
 
Some perspective is needed.

He should not have opened, least of all in a t10 (11) version with only 2 pp overs and in the first match over there- ridiculous to be honest.

However, hyperbole around failure etc, that is too much too soon, it is just as bad as those that will provide hyperbole the other way with just 1 good knock from babar.

Let's see the entirety of what happens.

Certaonly should not be opening.

However, some of you guys are a bit too young but back in the day, we used to criticise players for NOT batting uo the order in limited overs games and take reaponsibility- Babar has but it had turned into greed.
 
cricfan432 said:
and few people were saying hes better than saim ayub
Click to expand...
Saim Ayub is complete trash. Averages 20 after heaps of Games. Almost 60.. No one else is given that much chances. 20 Average as opener is diabolical. in all those 50 plus games he has 5 fifties.. like performance with bat in 10th game
 
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