The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season will see an exciting influx of talent from Pakistan and for the first time with a full No-Objection Certificate (NOC) via the Draft, a prominent young player from Bangladesh. These international stars are set to inject significant quality and fan interest into the tournament across the eight franchises.
Big Bash League 2025-26 season preview: Clash of the titans
The BBL|15 season is poised for a thrilling run, featuring 44 high-octane matches that run from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Eight city-based teams, Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, will battle for the coveted title. The tournament will open with a blockbuster fixture between two of the league’s most successful franchises.
- Dates: December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026
- Teams: 8 (Strikers, Heat, Hurricanes, Renegades, Stars, Scorchers, Sixers, Thunder)
- Current Champion: Hobart Hurricanes (who won their maiden title in BBL|14, 2024-25)
- Former Dominant Winner: Perth Scorchers (most successful team with five titles)
- First Game: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium, on December 14, 2025.
The Big Picture: The season boasts arguably the strongest international cohort ever, headlined by Platinum-pick Pakistan stars like Babar Azam (Sixers), Shaheen Afridi (Heat) and Mohammad Rizwan (Renegades). The Hobart Hurricanes enter as defending champions for the first time, but will face stiff competition from the perennial powerhouse Perth Scorchers and the highly star-studded Sydney Sixers. The shortened 44-match format ensures every game is crucial, guaranteeing a fast-paced, high-stakes tournament where star power meets domestic grit.
Also READ: BBL|15: Cricket Australia unveils full schedule for Big Bash League 2025-26
Pakistan and Bangladesh player details in the BBL 2025-26
Here is the detailed list of the confirmed Pakistani and Bangladeshi players, their BBL sides, key roles, and overall T20 International (T20I) career statistics (as of the current date):
| Player | Nation | BBL Side | Role | T20I Batting (Runs/Avg/SR) | T20I Bowling (Wickets/Avg/Eco) | Details & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Sydney Sixers | Top-order Batter | 4429 runs / 39.54 / 128.45 | Right-arm off-break (Minimal) | A Platinum pre-signed player, Babar is the anchor of the Sixers’ batting line-up. His consistency and world-class technique are crucial for setting big totals or chasing them down. |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | Brisbane Heat | Left-arm Fast Bowler | 302 runs / 14.38 / 127.97 | 126 wickets / 21.27 / 7.71 | The first overall pick in the Draft. His pace, early swing, and accurate death bowling are expected to make him the Heat’s primary strike weapon, especially in the powerplay. |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Melbourne Renegades | Wicket-keeper Batter | 3414 runs / 47.41 / 125.37 | Does not bowl | A Platinum Draft pick, Rizwan is one of the world’s most consistent T20 openers. His high energy, reliable keeping, and ability to hold an innings together are vital for the Renegades. |
| Haris Rauf | Pakistan | Melbourne Stars | Right-arm Fast Bowler | 143 runs / 8.41 / 118.18 | 133 wickets / 21.10 / 8.38 | Retained as a Platinum player, Rauf is an express pace bowler known for his speed and wicket-taking ability, particularly in the middle and death overs. He is a key component of the Stars’ bowling attack. |
| Shadab Khan | Pakistan | Sydney Thunder | Leg-spin All-rounder | 792 runs / 18.00 / 140.17 | 112 wickets / 24.37/ 7.37 | A Draft pick, Shadab brings balance with his attacking leg-spin and powerful lower-order hitting. His electric fielding is an added asset for the Thunder’s campaign. |
| Hasan Ali | Pakistan | Adelaide Strikers | Right-arm Medium Fast Bowler | 147 runs / 13.36 / 170.93 | 72 wickets / 23.30 / 8.71 | Drafted by the Strikers, Hasan’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver slower balls in the death will provide valuable variety and experience to the team’s fast-bowling unit. |
| Hassan Khan | Pakistan/USA | Melbourne Renegades | Left-arm Orthodox Bowler | Yet to play T20I | Yet to play T20I | A young Pakistani-American player drafted by the Renegades, his selection focuses on providing a left-arm spin option and potential depth in the squad. (Note: Stats reflect T20I, domestic stats are more substantial.) |
| Rishad Hossain | Â Bangladesh | Hobart Hurricanes | Leg-spin Bowler | 213 runs / 8.52 / 127.54 | 71 wickets / 20.97 / 8.12 | A historic Draft pick who received a full NOC for BBL. |
Also READ: From Shaheen Afridi to Sam Curran: Full list of overseas players selected in the BBL|15 draft
