Top Pakistan Players to Feature in Foreign Leagues: Find Out the Full List

Pakistan’s leading cricketers are gearing up to leave their mark on various international T20 leagues this season. Their premium fast-bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has entered the Big Bash League draft and is widely expected to land a deal, with Brisbane Heat reportedly among the teams eyeing him. Pakistan’s cricketers who signed contracts with the Big Bash League have now been cleared to take part.

Earlier, there were concerns that they might be blocked due to the PCB’s stance on overseas league participation. However, these players have been granted permission to participate in some of the best cricket leagues in the world. A number of other Pakistani internationals are also in the spotlight. Players like Naseem Shah, left-hander Fakhar Zaman, and utility all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz are expected to participate in ILT20 2025.

Top Pakistan Players in Foreign Leagues

In late September, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed issued a directive to players and their representatives stating that Pakistani players would no longer be allowed to take part in foreign T20 leagues. This created uncertainty around their BBL commitments. However, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg announced that the Pakistan contingent had been granted permission and would join their BBL teams as planned.

A strong group of Pakistani cricketers is set to feature across major global T20 leagues this season. The Pakistan players in BBL include some of the country’s biggest names, such as Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf.

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will also see a solid Pakistani presence, with Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed expected to participate. Meanwhile, the ILT20 has lined up Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz. All these players among the best cricketers in the world and will add value to these leagues.

Top Pakistan Players in BBL

The upcoming Big Bash League season is set to showcase a bunch of Pakistani cricketers in the tournament. Babar Azam is set to make his much-anticipated BBL debut with the Sydney Sixers, where he is expected to bat in the top order.

He will be joined by several of Pakistan’s biggest T20 names in BBL: Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the bowling attack for Brisbane Heat, Mohammad Rizwan features for the Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf returns to the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan strengthens Sydney Thunder as a genuine all-rounder, while Hasan Ali adds a fast bowling option to the Adelaide Strikers’ unit.

Top Pakistan Players in BPL

A notable group of Pakistani cricketers is gearing up for the next Bangladesh Premier League season. Sylhet Titans have secured left-handed opener Saim Ayub as a direct signing. Meanwhile, the Rajshahi Warriors have strengthened both their batting and all-round options by bringing in Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Nawaz. Nawaz’s combination of left-arm spin and lower-order hitting gives the Warriors a valuable utility player.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has also been picked up by Chattogram, offering them a wrist-spinner capable of picking up crucial wickets with his variations. Alongside them, power-hitter Usman Khan has been signed directly by the Dhaka Capitals. These are the top Pakistan players in BPL.

Top Pakistan Players in ILT20

The 2025 season will include top Pakistan players in ILT20, with the Desert Vipers picking a trio of impactful signings. Leading the group is Fakhar Zaman, the hard-hitting left-hander whose ability to give quick starts gives the Vipers an explosive option at the top. They have also secured the services of Naseem Shah, one of Pakistan’s most exciting young fast bowlers and promising middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz.