Who is the only Indian cricketer registered for Men's BBL 2025-26 draft?

The only Indian cricketer to play in the BBL is Unmukt Chand, but he did so as the citizen of the USA and not India.

Cricket Australia (CA) said on Tuesday that former India bowler Siddharth Kaul has signed up for the men’s Big Bash League (BBL) draft and that 15 other Indian women had done the same for the women’s competition.

The only male Indian player to sign up for the BBL draft, which is scheduled on Thursday, is Kaul, who played three ODIs and three T20Is for India before quitting international cricket in November 2024.

The eagerly anticipated BBL 2025-26 draft will be held in Melbourne on Thursday, June 19. Over 600 athletes from all over the world, including well-known figures like Jofra Archer and James Anderson, have signed up for the draft.

The lone male Indian player to declare for the draft is Siddarth Kaul, who played alongside Virat Kohli in the team that won the Under-19 World Cup in 2008. It is important to note that only 445 of the 600 registrants will be available for selection in Thursday’s draft.

Siddharth Kaul retired from Indian cricket last year in November

Active Indian players are prohibited from playing in foreign T20 leagues by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Retired players are allowed to participate in T20 competitions outside of India, nevertheless. In November 2024, Kaul, who found it difficult to make a name for himself in the national team, declared his retirement from international cricket.

Although it is uncertain if he will make the final selection, Kaul is currently qualified to play in the BBL.

In 2007, Kaul made his First-Class (FC) cricket debut for Punjab. He gained notoriety for his efforts in domestic competitions and went on to play a significant role in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, which was captained by Virat Kohli. Kaul bowled the last over in the tournament’s last match, which is noteworthy.

After receiving his first India cap in 2018, Kaul played in six international matches before losing his spot in the starting lineup.

Notably, the first Indian player to compete in the BBL was Unmukt Chand, the former U19 captain of India, who led the side to the U19 World Cup title in 2012. He had to renounce his Indian citizenship in order to play for the United States of America. Because of the BCCI’s, no Indian men’s cricketer has ever participated in Australia’s top T20 league.

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