Cricket Australia CEO Hints at Virat Kohli's Potential Participation in Big Bash League

Cricket Australia's Interest in Kohli

Todd Greenberg, the CEO of Cricket Australia (CA), expressed his desire to see Virat Kohli participate in the Big Bash League (BBL). While Indian women cricketers like Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, and Harmanpreet Kaur have played in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not permitted male players to join foreign leagues.

“We will continue discussions with the BCCI, as I would love to see Virat Kohli in the BBL this year. His presence would undoubtedly attract more fans and boost viewership,” stated Greenberg.

BCCI's Restrictions on Indian Players

The BCCI enforces strict regulations that prevent Indian male players from participating in international T20 leagues. The board prioritizes the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes that involvement in foreign leagues could jeopardize its financial stability and player development.

Additionally, the BCCI aims to enhance domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, ensuring that top players contribute to maintaining high standards and competitiveness.

Timing of Overseas T20 Leagues

Many overseas T20 leagues, including Australia's BBL, coincide with India's domestic cricket schedule. The BBL typically begins in the third week of December, overlapping with the latter stages of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Highlights of Big Bash League 2025

The Big Bash League 2025 finals were held on January 27, 2025, featuring a match between Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes. The Hurricanes triumphed by 7 wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 185 runs after Sydney Thunder set a score of 182/7. Mitchell Owen delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 108 runs off just 42 balls, earning him the title of 'Player of the Match.'