The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering handing opportunities to several emerging players for the upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka, scheduled from January 7 to 11.
The move comes after the PCB issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to six top cricketers, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, for participation in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). The tournament runs from December 14 until late January, directly clashing with the Sri Lanka tour, which has created a selection challenge for Pakistan.
This season is particularly significant as it features the highest number of Pakistani stars in the BBL. While Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan have played in the league previously, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan are making their debut appearances. Apart from Rizwan who has not represented Pakistan in T20Is since December 2024, most are core members of the national squad.
Cricket Australia reportedly informed franchises that Pakistani signings must be available for the entire tournament, a condition accepted by PCB at the time, since Pakistan had no scheduled international cricket during that window. However, the unexpected confirmation of the Sri Lanka tour has now altered the scenario.
“The understanding between CA and PCB was that Pakistan didn’t have any international commitments in December and until late January the players could play the complete BBL. But the situation has changed now,” a source told NDTV.
The PCB is now weighing two choices: reopen negotiations with Cricket Australia for early player release or go ahead with a secondary squad for the T20Is. Many within the selection panel reportedly favour the latter, viewing it as a valuable chance to test bench strength and prepare young talent for future assignments.
The three-match series in Dambulla will also serve as the beginning of Pakistan’s buildup towards the 2026 T20 World Cup.
