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Travis Head set to skip BBL as The Ashes toll shifts focus to T20 World Cup 2026

Soumyajit Dutta

Travis Head in BBL jersey [Source: @globalcricinfo/X]Travis Head in BBL jersey [Source: @globalcricinfo/X]

Travis Head has indicated he will likely skip the current Big Bash League season, citing the intense emotional and physical toll of the Ashes series. Travis Head prioritises staying fresh for the upcoming T20 World Cup in February, following a heavy home summer of cricket.

Head described the Ashes as "emotionally draining" and stated his need for a break before another demanding year that will see him feature in a lot of crucial games for his national side.

Why Travis Head is mulling a break from BBL?

Speaking on the experience of The Ashes and the physical and mental toll, Travis Head wanted a much more fresher approach ahead of the mega event in February.

“Probably unlikely with the emotional drain of an Ashes series, and what’s coming up in terms of the World Cup. The emotional drain of actually being in an Ashes series and playing is always tough. So I think it’s important to go into a World Cup fresh,” Head told News Corp.

The star batter has not played for the Adelaide Strikers since the 2022-23 season, regularly opting out of the BBL in recent years to manage his workload for international duty and the Indian Premier League. He has become a key figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad, delivering explosive performances at the top of the order.

BBL drama sees rapid player exits

The BBL, which lacks an exclusive window in the calendar, continues to clash with Australia's international commitments. Alongside Head, fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood may also miss the tournament as they recover from injuries ahead of the global event.

The league faced further disruption with the loss of marquee overseas player Shaheen Afridi. The Pakistan paceman, Brisbane Heat's top draft pick, was ruled out for the season with a knee injury after just three matches. He, along with teammates Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, had been permitted to play in the BBL instead of featuring in Pakistan's T20I series against Sri Lanka.