In what has sparked massive buzz among fans, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg has hinted at a “realistic possibility” of Virat Kohli featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) someday — but there’s a major catch.
Currently, BCCI’s central contract rules prohibit active Indian players from taking part in overseas franchise leagues. This means that for Virat Kohli to play in the BBL, he would first have to retire from both international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The speculation comes at a time when India is touring Australia, with Kohli and Rohit Sharma drawing massive crowds — possibly for their last ODI appearances in the country. Kohli, despite enduring two consecutive ducks earlier in the series, remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket, with Australian fans sharing a special admiration for his aggressive and competitive persona.
CA is reportedly exploring privatisation of the BBL, a move that could reshape the tournament’s financial structure and make it more competitive with global T20 leagues like IPL, SA20, and The Hundred. This would allow the league to:
- Offer higher wages to attract top international stars,
- Invest in grassroots development, and
- Build a financial reserve exceeding $100 million.
“In the short to medium term, I think it is realistic over time,” said Greenberg. “Ravichandran Ashwin coming to the BBL this year is a big step, and we want to keep the dialogue open. Having Indian players play here would elevate the league significantly.”
However, for now, Kohli’s BBL appearance remains unlikely. The Indian legend continues to play international cricket with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, and remains one of IPL’s biggest icons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he recently lifted his maiden championship title.
For Australian fans, though, the dream of seeing Kohli bat in the BBL — perhaps in Sydney Thunder colours alongside David Warner — remains one worth keeping alive.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered speculative or confirmatory. Cricket boards and league policies are subject to change based on future decisions.
