Todd Greenberg confirms Australia’s tour of Pakistan next year

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Todd Greenberg reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening cricketing ties with Pakistan on Tuesday, both through bilateral tours and greater participation of Pakistani players in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Speaking to the journalists via an online press conference, Greenberg confirmed that Australia will tour Pakistan next year for a white-ball series and highlighted the importance of this bilateral relationship.

“We’re touring Pakistan next year for some white-ball cricket, which I think will be great. The 2022 tour showed how warm and welcoming the environment was, and our players loved it,” he said.

Greenberg also touched on the challenges Pakistani players face in participating in the BBL due to No objection certificate (NOC) restrictions from the PCB but said that Cricket Australia is actively looking for solutions.

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“We would welcome more high-profile Pakistani players in the BBL. They have huge followings here in Australia, especially among the local Pakistani community,” he stated. “There are conversations happening right now to attract players, and hopefully some of that comes together for this upcoming BBL season.”

He also emphasized that nationality or origin should never be a barrier in building a world-class tournament.

“Our aim is to bring the best players to the BBL, regardless of where they come from. The inclusion of Pakistani stars would be great for the league and the teams.”

Greenberg’s comments come at a time when Pakistani cricket has a strong global footprint, and Australia is looking to tap into that connection—both for the growth of the BBL and broader cricket diplomacy.

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