Has Virat Kohli signed with Sydney Sixers? Photo: BCCI
Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Sixers stunned the cricketing universe by announcing Virat Kohli's signing on Tuesday (April 1). The franchise announced that the Indian legend had signed a two-year deal with them. "King Kohli Virat Kohli is officially a Sixer for the next TWO seasons!" Sydney wrote on X.
Their post quickly went viral and has more than 1 million views. Sixers' post surprised the fans as Virat Kohli is still active in Indian cricket and he isn't allowed to play in BBL. So why did Sydney Sixers announce signing Virat Kohli? Here we have a look -
Virat Kohli has not signed a two-year deal with Sydney Sixers. Nearly 5 hours after their post, Sixers revealed that it was an April Fools' prank. The prank worked wonders for Sydney and their post went viral on X. Sydney Sixers are three-time BBL Champions.
Why Virat Kohli can't play BBL?
Under the BCCI rules, an Indian player cannot play in overseas leagues till he is active in Indian cricket. He has to retire from international cricket, IPL and domestic cricket to get the NOC to participate in overseas leagues.
Indian legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and many others, have participated in different leagues after their retirement. Virat is still active in Indian cricket and is eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup trophy. He has played 4 ODI WCs so far
He quit T20I cricket after winning the 2024 World Cup trophy but is active in the other two formats. He was part of India's 2025 Champions Trophy-winning team.
Unmukt Chand has played BBL
Former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain, Unmukt Chand has played in the Big Bash League 2021/22. He had quit Indian cricket in 2021 and moved to the USA. He is now eligible to play international cricket for the USA.
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