Despite Cricket Australia’s insistence, Pakistani cricketers are considering to leave the Big Bash League (BBL) early to join the national side for the Sri Lanka series.

 

According to reports, some Pakistani players have contacted the national think tank expressing their desire to participate in the Sri Lanka series, citing the significant difference between Australian and Sri Lankan pitch conditions. 

 

The players fear that going directly from Australia to the World Cup without adequate preparation on Sri Lankan pitches could negatively impact their performance.

 

Pakistan will play three T20I matches against Sri Lanka on January 7, 10 and 11, in Dambulla. The same Sri Lankan grounds will host Pakistan's World Cup matches starting February 7.

 

The players are also concerned that if they perform poorly in the mega event, they will face accusations of prioritising money and leagues over insufficient preparation, reports quoted sources as saying.

 

The BBL contracts were signed before Pakistan scheduled the Sri Lanka series, creating the current conflict.

 

Earlier, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg told reporters at the Adelaide Oval that the board has received assurances about player availability.

 

“We've been told that if they've been signed by the BBL, they'll play [the whole BBL],” Greenberg said.

 

However, reports indicate selectors want to test new cricketers in the Sri Lanka series and are considering not calling back the senior players from Australia. 

 

If any player returns voluntarily, they could face heavy financial penalties for breaching their contracts. The situation would differ if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially summons players for national duty, as every contract includes provisions for such circumstances.

 

Meanwhile, the Pakistani cricketers are off to a difficult start at BBL.

 

Shaheen Afridi had a nightmare debut when umpires stopped him from bowling after he delivered two beamers in his third over. The left-arm pacer conceded 43 runs in just 2.4 overs without taking a wicket for Brisbane Heat.

 

Mohammad Rizwan managed only 4 runs off 10 balls for Melbourne Renegades in his debut while Babar Azam scored just 2 runs off 5 balls against Brisbane Heat in his opening match. Babar's struggles also continued in the second match where he only made 9 runs off 10 balls for Sydney Sixers.

 

Seven Pakistani players feature in this year's BBL season. Alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Babar and Shaheen are Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers) and Usama Mir (Melbourne Renegades).

 

The tournament, which began on December 15, 2024, will conclude with the final on January 27, 2025.