The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, also known as BBL 15, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and star-filled seasons in the tournament’s history. Starting from December 14, 2025, the league will feature a strong mix of Australian talent and high-profile overseas players from Pakistan, England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.
This season, teams were allowed to sign overseas players under Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, with several international stars receiving Platinum-level contracts, making them among the highest-paid players in BBL history.
Below is a complete and updated overview of all overseas players participating in BBL 2025–26, including their teams, roles, availability, and salary range.
Full List of Overseas Players in BBL 2025–26
| Player | Country | Team | Role | Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Sydney Sixers | Top-order Batter | Up to $420,000 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | Brisbane Heat | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Melbourne Renegades | WK-Batter | $270,000 |
| Hasan Ali | Pakistan | Adelaide Strikers | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Haris Rauf | Pakistan | Melbourne Stars | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Shadab Khan | Pakistan | Sydney Thunder | All-rounder | $270,000 |
| Hassan Khan | Pakistan | Melbourne Renegades | Spin All-rounder | $270,000 |
| Sam Curran | England | Sydney Sixers | All-rounder | $270,000 |
| Jamie Overton | England | Adelaide Strikers | All-rounder | $270,000 |
| Luke Wood | England | Adelaide Strikers | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Tom Alsop | England | Brisbane Heat | WK-Batter | $200,000+ |
| Rehan Ahmed | England | Hobart Hurricanes | Spin All-rounder | $270,000 |
| Chris Jordan | England | Hobart Hurricanes | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Joe Clarke | England | Melbourne Stars | Batter | $270,000 |
| Tom Curran | England | Melbourne Stars | All-rounder | $270,000 |
| Laurie Evans | England | Perth Scorchers | Batter | $270,000 |
| David Payne | England | Perth Scorchers | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Jafer Chohan | England | Sydney Sixers | Leg-spinner | $200,000+ |
| Sam Billings | England | Sydney Thunder | WK-Batter | $270,000 |
| Reece Topley | England | Sydney Thunder | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Colin Munro | New Zealand | Brisbane Heat | Batter | $270,000 |
| Tim Seifert | New Zealand | Melbourne Renegades | WK-Batter | $270,000 |
| Finn Allen | New Zealand | Perth Scorchers | Opener | $270,000 |
| Lockie Ferguson | New Zealand | Sydney Thunder | Fast Bowler | $270,000 |
| Rishad Hossain | Bangladesh | Hobart Hurricanes | Leg-spinner | $270,000 |
You Can Read Also: Top 7 Lowest Totals in BBL History
Most Expensive Overseas Player of BBL 2025–26
Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers)
Babar Azam is the biggest overseas signing of the season and the highest-paid international player in BBL 2025–26. Signed under the Platinum full-availability category, his contract can reach AUD 420,000, the highest bracket ever seen in the league.
His presence adds immense value in terms of:
- Batting stability
- Global fan engagement
- Viewership boost
- Big-match temperament
Country-wise Overseas Player Breakdown
Pakistan (7 players)
- Babar Azam
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Hasan Ali
- Haris Rauf
- Shadab Khan
- Hassan Khan
Pakistan contributes the largest group of overseas players, including multiple Platinum signings.
Read more: Pakistani Players in BBL Full List
England (13 players)
- Sam Curran
- Jamie Overton
- Luke Wood
- Tom Alsop
- Rehan Ahmed
- Chris Jordan
- Joe Clarke
- Tom Curran
- Laurie Evans
- David Payne
- Jafer Chohan
- Sam Billings
- Reece Topley
England has the highest number of overseas players in BBL 15, covering all roles — batters, bowlers, and all-rounders.
New Zealand (4 players)
- Colin Munro
- Tim Seifert
- Finn Allen
- Lockie Ferguson
These players add explosive batting and extreme pace to their respective teams.
Bangladesh (1 player)
- Rishad Hossain (Hobart Hurricanes)
A promising leg-spinner, expected to play the full season.
Overseas Players Not Featuring in BBL 2025–26
- No players from India, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, or Afghanistan
- Ravichandran Ashwin signed earlier but withdrew due to injury
Also see: Most Successful Captains in BBL History
Why Overseas Players Are Crucial in BBL 2025–26
Overseas players bring:
- Match-winning experience
- Variety in bowling attacks
- Global fan engagement
- Tactical depth
- High entertainment value
With stronger competition from leagues like PSL and SA20, BBL franchises invested heavily in elite overseas talent this season.
Conclusion
The BBL 2025–26 season promises world-class cricket with an impressive overseas lineup led by Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Sam Curran, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf. The introduction of higher Platinum salary slabs has allowed teams to attract top international stars, making this season more competitive and globally appealing than ever.
Fans can expect high-quality cricket, packed stadiums, and thrilling performances from overseas players throughout BBL 15.
