Disaster for BBL: Rashid Khan, Jacob Bethell pull out of 2025-26 season

In a recent update ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL), Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the upcoming player draft. England's emerging all-rounder Jacob Bethell has also pulled out of the BBL15 draft list. Notably, no official reason has been given for their withdrawal from the draft.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League draft is set to take place on June 19. Notably, the BBL will begin on December 15, with the final scheduled for January 27, 2026. With the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February, the BBL will serve as a crucial platform for players to impress national selectors.

Rashid Khan and Jacob Bethell Withdraw from BBL15 Player Draft

Rashid Khan and Jacob Bethell have withdrawn from the BBL player draft. Their names, which were initially included, are no longer visible in the updated draft list published on the official Big Bash League app.

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🚨 BBL Update

Rashid Khan & Jacob Bethell have pulled out their names from BBL15 draft list. Their name no longer appears on the list shared on Big Bash app.#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/S86Q07zgYQ

— T20 Franchise Rosters (Men) (@t20tracker) June 16, 2025

Following their withdrawal from the BBL15 draft, it has emerged that Jacob Bethell was initially expected to be available for the final few league matches, including the finals. Rashid Khan was also likely to feature, but availability was limited due to scheduling conflicts.

The ILT20 has shifted its window and will be played from December to early January. This change has opened the door for several high-profile players to join the BBL after completing their UAE commitments. However, the SA20 has impacted the availability of players like Kane Williamson.

Rashid Khan and Jacob Bethell Featured in IPL 2025

Rashid has taken 161 wickets in 96 T20Is at an exceptional bowling average of 13.80 and an economy rate of 6.08. He has picked up 643 wickets in 477 T20 matches at an average of 18.62, with best figures of 6/17. Rashid played for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025, where his team lost in the Eliminator.

Jacob Bethell made his T20I debut in September 2024 and has already shown his potential. He has scored 281 runs at an average of 40.14 and a strike rate of 154.39. Bethell has also taken 4 wickets with his left-arm spin across 13 matches.

The left-handed batter was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. He missed the knockout matches due to international commitments. However, the Bengaluru team secured victory over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.

BBL Player Drafts Set for June 19 in Melbourne

The player drafts for the BBL will be held in Melbourne on Thursday, June 19. This year, the drafts have been scheduled over two months earlier than usual to expand the talent pool and attract more global stars. It also allows franchises greater flexibility in planning their squad compositions.

This will mark the fourth edition of the overseas player draft in the BBL. Over 600 international players from 30 countries have registered, including not only leading cricketing nations but also emerging ones such as Hong Kong, Rwanda, Japan, Greece, Indonesia, and Hungary.

Brisbane Heat, who finished seventh in the last edition, will have the first pick in both the first and second rounds of the draft.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah asked to skip the 1st Test against England