National cricketers are set to prioritise the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka in January over participation in overseas leagues, sources told media.
Conditional No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are issued to players for overseas leagues, but representing the national team remains the priority.
For the BBL, NOCs from 14 December to 28 January have been granted to Babar Azam, Rizwan, Afridi, Rauf, Shadab, and Hasan.
The 15th edition of the BBL will run from 14 December to 25 January 2026, featuring 44 matches scheduled in prime early-evening slots.
Babar will make his BBL debut for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers, while other national players join various BBL franchises.
Shaheen Afridi joins Brisbane Heat as their first overseas platinum pick, Rizwan is with Melbourne Renegades, and Rauf with Melbourne Stars.
Shadab Khan is signed by Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali by Adelaide Strikers, and Hassan Khan will play for the Renegades.
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During this period, the Men in Green will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series on 7, 9, and 11 January in Dambulla.
The series will serve as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India from 7 February to 8 March.
Sources confirmed that selected national players will prioritise the Sri Lanka tour over the BBL, and permanent squad members are unlikely to receive exemptions.
Following the Sri Lanka tour, Australia is scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20I series at the end of January.
Separately, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz have been issued NOCs for participation in the IL T20 league, valid until 4 January.
