Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Pakistani players taking part in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) will complete the full season, easing concerns over their availability amid Pakistan’s scheduled T20I tour of Sri Lanka in January.

Speaking in Adelaide ahead of the third Ashes Test, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg said the board has received clear assurances regarding the availability of Pakistan’s leading stars. Players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali were at the centre of speculation after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a short T20I series in Sri Lanka that overlaps with the BBL window.

Pakistani stars assured full BBL stay as CA prepares Pakistan tour

However, Greenberg made it clear that the matter has been settled. “We’ve been told that if they’ve been signed by the BBL, they’ll play the whole BBL,” he said, adding that Cricket Australia remains confident none of the contracted players will be withdrawn midway through the tournament.

Alongside the BBL clarity, Greenberg also provided an update on Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup. While dates for the T20I series are yet to be finalised, he confirmed that preparations are already underway. Cricket Australia, along with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, has sent officials to Pakistan to conduct a pre-tour security assessment.

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“We’ve just sent a couple of people to Pakistan to do a pre-tour for the T20I games,” Greenberg said. “We’ll speak to the players after the Ashes series and explain how the tour will work from a security point of view. I toured Pakistan with the team in 2022 and it was an amazing experience.”

CA confirms FTP changes, Bangladesh Tests in Mackay and Darwin

Greenberg also revealed scheduling adjustments to Australia’s Future Tours Programme. The ODI leg of the Pakistan tour will be shifted to June, after the completion of the PSL and IPL, aligning with Australia’s limited-overs tour of Bangladesh in the same period.

In addition, CA confirmed that Bangladesh will tour Australia later in the year, with Test matches set to be played in Mackay and Darwin. Mackay will host its first-ever Test, marking the return of international red-ball cricket to Australia’s Top End for the first time since 2004.

Overall, Greenberg’s comments underline CA’s focus on schedule stability, player clarity and expanding the game’s footprint, while ensuring marquee tournaments like the BBL retain their star power.

There is a strong possibility that Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026, with discussions currently underway between the two cricket boards. If finalized, the series could see Pakistan play three T20 internationals in Colombo on January 8, 10, and 12. However, sources have indicated that the final schedule will be confirmed only after resolving certain pending matters.

This proposed series could further complicate the issue of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously suspended players’ NOCs after the Asia Cup, and with a January series on the cards, several players might be forced to miss part of the Australian league.

The BBL is scheduled from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, with seven Pakistani players lined up to participate. Babar Azam is set to play for the Sydney Sixers, Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan for Melbourne Renegades, Shaheen Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers, Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars, and Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder. While Babar and Rizwan are currently not in Pakistan’s T20I setup, both could make a return ahead of the T20 World Cup. Shadab, who is recovering from injury, and Shaheen remain key figures in the national side.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s immediate focus remains on their upcoming home season. They are set to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs from November 11 to 15, followed by a proposed T20 tri-series from November 17 to 29 involving Afghanistan. However, with tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalating, the latter’s participation is now uncertain, and PCB may need to find a replacement team.

The January tour will also serve as crucial preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host. For Pakistan, the series could provide an ideal opportunity to acclimatize to local conditions ahead of the mega event.

In a major boost for the reigning Big Bash League champions, the Hobart Hurricanes have confirmed the re-signing of explosive middle-order batter Tim David on a two-year contract, locking him in until the end of BBL 16.

David, who was a driving force behind Hobart’s title-winning campaign in BBL 14, knocked back interest from rival BBL clubs including both Melbourne franchises to remain part of the ‘Cane Train’. His match-winning abilities with the bat, especially during the tense back end of games, made him one of the most sought-after players on the market. “I’m super excited to re-sign with the Hurricanes for another two seasons,” David said. “Last year was special, and I can't wait to do it all again next summer.”

BBL 14: David at His Best

The 28-year-old produced his best Big Bash season to date in BBL 14, scoring 254 runs at an average of 42.33 and an astonishing strike rate of 177.62. Nicknamed the "Surge Goliath" by fans and commentators, David smashed 114 runs in the two-over Power Surge period alone, striking a jaw-dropping 285.

His heroics were crucial in clutch wins against the Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Thunder, and Melbourne Renegades three consecutive victories that ultimately helped the Hurricanes reach the finals and claim their first BBL title.

Since joining the Hurricanes from the Perth Scorchers in BBL 10, David has amassed 1,217 runs at a strike rate of 159.92, including four fifties. Known for his clean power hitting and athleticism in the outfield, he has become a central figure in the Hurricanes’ rise to championship status.

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Leadership and Loyalty

Cricket Tasmania General Manager of High Performance, Salliann Beams, praised David’s impact on and off the field. “Tim has been instrumental in shaping what we’re building here in Hobart. His leadership last season played a massive role in helping the team win our first championship,” Beams said. “He’s a game-changer, and we’re lucky to have him on our side.”

David’s decision to stay comes after months of speculation and reported offers from multiple clubs. Despite being uncontracted during the post-season Player Movement Window, the Hurricanes’ continued faith and vision have won out.

Hurricanes Squad Taking Shape for BBL 15

With David’s re-signing, 15 of the 18 available squad spots are now filled for BBL 15. The Hurricanes also added key names in Jake Weatherald (Adelaide Strikers) and Beau Webster (Melbourne Stars), while Caleb Jewell has departed for the Renegades.

Current Contracted Players for BBL 15:

Batters & All-rounders: Tim David, Ben McDermott, Mitch Owen, Matt Wade, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Mac Wright, Nikhil Chaudhary

Bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Iain Carlisle

Overseas Players: Rehan Ahmed (England), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh), Chris Jordan (England)

Uncontracted Players: Marcus Bean, Paddy Dooley, Jake Doran, Cameron Gannon, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope, Waqar Salamkheil, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward

The Hurricanes are set to begin their BBL 15 campaign on December 16, with a grand final rematch against the Sydney Thunder at Ninja Stadium. They’ll aim to become the first franchise to win back-to-back titles since the Perth Scorchers’ run in BBL 11 and BBL 12. Details on memberships, tickets, and match schedules will be released soon. Fans can sign up for pre-sale access at bigbash.com.au.