Will Virat Kohli play in Big Bash League? Cricket Australia CEO sparks hope

Virat Kohli isn’t just a cricketer—he's a phenomenon. With over 25,000 international runs, multiple ICC trophies, and a legacy of redefining batting across formats, Kohli is arguably one of the biggest global stars the sport has ever produced. Now, a new conversation is swirling in the cricket world: could the King ever grace Australia’s Big Bash League?

While it sounds far-fetched under current regulations, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg has openly expressed his desire to see Kohli in BBL colours. And the idea is already generating serious buzz.

The BCCI Roadblock

As it stands, Indian male cricketers are barred by the BCCI from participating in foreign leagues unless they retire from all Indian cricket—including the IPL. While Indian women players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur have already played in the Women’s BBL, male participation remains off-limits.

But Greenberg believes the potential of having stars like Kohli in the BBL could be game-changing.

“We would love to welcome some Indian players to the BBL. That would be fantastic. I’d love to see Virat Kohli playing in the BBL this year. That would create massive interest in crowds and ratings,” Greenberg said during a virtual media interaction. “It’s not happening now, but we’re keen to keep conversations going with the BCCI.”

T20 Goes Global – And Indian Influence Grows

Greenberg also pointed to the rising influence of Indian franchises in world cricket. IPL owners have already acquired teams in other leagues, including The Hundred in England. With private investment flowing into T20 cricket globally, CA is keen to evolve and adapt its strategies.

“As you’re seeing all over the world, IPL franchises are buying stakes in teams in leagues like The Hundred. We’ve got to keep evolving and stay open to new ideas,” he added.

Kohli Eyeing IPL Glory First

While BBL fans dream of a Kohli cameo, the RCB stalwart is focused on the present. He's set to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The BBL draft, meanwhile, is scheduled for mid-June.

A Dream Worth Chasing

While current rules make a Virat Kohli appearance in the BBL unlikely, the buzz created by Cricket Australia’s interest is undeniable. It reflects not only Kohli's unmatched star power but also the growing hunger for cross-league collaboration in global cricket. As the sport evolves, perhaps one day, fans Down Under will witness the King in BBL colours. For now, the idea lives on as a tantalizing "what if"—but in cricket, never say never.