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There is a strong possibility that the Pakistan cricket team will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026, with discussions between the two cricket boards currently underway. If the arrangements are finalized, Pakistani players could face further difficulties in obtaining NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for participation in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Meanwhile, due to recent tensions, there are also concerns about Afghanistan’s scheduled tour of Pakistan next month.
According to details, the Pakistan and Sri Lanka Cricket Boards are currently in talks regarding next year’s series. It is likely that three T20 internationals will be played in Colombo, and sources say there is a tentative agreement to hold the matches on January 8, 10, and 12. However, the series will be finalized only after reviewing some remaining matters.
Before this, the Sri Lankan team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in November 2025, where they will first play three ODIs from November 11 to 15, followed by a tri-nation series involving Afghanistan from November 17 to 29. However, due to Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, it is not yet clear whether the triangular series will go ahead or if Pakistan and Sri Lanka will instead play bilateral matches.
On the other hand, the PCB had suspended players’ NOCs for foreign leagues after the Asia Cup. Discussions are ongoing between Cricket Australia and Pakistani officials regarding the Big Bash League, but if the January Sri Lanka tour is confirmed, the NOC issue will become even more complicated.
The BBL is scheduled to take place from December 14 to January 25, with seven Pakistani players expected to participate:
Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers
Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan – Melbourne Renegades
Shaheen Shah Afridi – Brisbane Heat
Hasan Ali – Adelaide Strikers
Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars
Shadab Khan – Sydney Thunder
Although Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not currently part of Pakistan’s T20 setup, they could make a return in the future. Similarly, Shadab Khan is recovering quickly from injury, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are regular members of the national T20 squad.
Once the Sri Lanka tour is officially confirmed, the PCB will decide on the NOCs accordingly.
