Cricket Australia Set to Organise Farewell for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma During India Tour

Cricket Australia is planning a special farewell for two of India’s biggest players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, during India’s tour in October. As both stars reach the final stage of their international careers having already moved away from T20Is and Tests, the three-match ODI series could be their last set of games in Australia, sparking strong “end of an era” feelings among cricket fans around the world.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has confirmed that a special farewell is being planned for Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during India’s tour of Australia in October this year. The Indian team is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series starting October 19, followed by a five-match T20I series from October 29. With talk growing that Rohit and Kohli might call it a day after the 2027 ODI World Cup, this upcoming series feels extra special. It’s not just another tour it’s an emotional one, as fans and the cricket world slowly come to terms with the end of a golden era led by two of India’s most loved players.

"This might be the last time that we get to see Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma play in our country. And if that is the case, who knows, it might not be, but if it is, we wanna make sure we give them a great send-off and a reflection of the incredible contribution they've made to international cricket," Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg told The Indian Express.

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Cricket Australia’s Ambition to Welcome Indian Players into the BBL

Along with planning a tribute for two of India’s biggest cricket stars, Cricket Australia is also hoping to take a bigger step for the future bringing Indian players into the Big Bash League (BBL). CA has shown interest in this for years, but the BCCI’s strict policy doesn’t allow centrally contracted Indian players to join overseas leagues.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg once again expressed his hope to change that, especially knowing how much excitement a player like Virat Kohli could bring to the BBL. The upcoming India series is seen as a good opportunity for CA to continue discussions with the BCCI on this front. As things stand, Indian players can't join foreign leagues unless they completely cut ties with the Indian board.

“That’s certainly some conversations that we will continue to have with the BCCI. I mean, I would love to see, Virat Kohli playing in the BBL this year. That would certainly create some interest in crowds and ratings, I’m sure. But at the moment, that’s not happening, but we do have our ambitions to do those types of things. And as you’re seeing all over the world, t20 leagues are going down a lot of the private investment opportunities,” Greenberg said.

“We’re seeing that in England recently with the hundred. A number of the IPL franchises are now taking ownership stakes in the Hundred. We’ve got to continue to evolve and innovate the way we run our business here in Australia and making sure that we have an open mind to new things. But the short answer to that question is if we could find opportunities for Indian cricketers, either retired, recently retired, or current players to play in the BBL, they’d be very welcome, and it’s a conversation we’ll continue to have,” he added.

The future is still unsure, but the focus is on India’s Australia tour in October. If this is the last time Kohli and Rohit play there, it will be a special moment. Cricket Australia wants to honor them and also hopes to bring Indian players into the Big Bash League. Saying goodbye to these stars is both a tribute and a chance for new beginnings in cricket.

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