PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket are in talks for a T20 series in Colombo; if finalized, Pakistani players may face NOC issues for the Big Bash League.
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct,13, 2025) Pakistan’s national cricket team is likely to tour Sri Lanka in January 2026, with both cricket boards currently in talks. If the series is finalized, Pakistani players may face further difficulties in obtaining No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participation in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
According to sources, the Pakistan and Sri Lanka cricket boards are discussing a three-match T20 series, expected to be played in Colombo on January 8, 10, and 12. The series will be finalized after reviewing logistical and scheduling matters.
Before this, Sri Lanka is scheduled to tour Pakistan in November this year for three ODIs from November 11 to 15, followed by a triangular series involving Afghanistan from November 17 to 29. However, due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, uncertainty remains over Afghanistan’s participation.
Meanwhile, the PCB had suspended players’ NOCs for foreign leagues after the Asia Cup. Discussions between PCB and Cricket Australia are ongoing regarding Pakistani players’ availability for the BBL. If the Sri Lanka tour is confirmed, the NOC situation is expected to become more complicated.
The Big Bash League will be held from December 14 to January 25, featuring seven Pakistani players — Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan (Melbourne Renegades), Shaheen Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne stars), and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder). While Babar and Rizwan are currently not part of the national T20 setup, they could make a comeback soon.
Shadab Khan is recovering fitness rapidly, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf remain regular members of the T20 squad. PCB is expected to make a final decision regarding NOCs once the Sri Lanka tour is officially confirmed.
