'Virat Kohli is officially a Sixer for the next two seasons' - Sydney Sixers floor fans with stunning announcement on April 1

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s fans woke up to a surprise on Tuesday as Australia's Big Bash League franchise Sydney Sixers, announced that the iconic player had signed with them for the next two seasons. The news, which quickly went viral, was only for fans to realize they had fallen for an April Fool’s prank.

On April 1, the Sydney Sixers posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle a graphic featuring Virat Kohli in an Indian jersey with the caption, "King Kohli! Virat Kohli is officially a Sixer for the next TWO seasons!" After this, many, especially in India, were thrilled to watch Kohli play in the BBL. However, the franchise clarified that it was just an April Fool’s joke. 

Sydney Sixers@SixersBBL

King Kohli 🤩 Virat Kohli is officially a Sixer for the next TWO seasons! ✍️ #LIKEASIXER

04:37 AM · Apr 01, 2025

12K820

Indian cricketers are not allowed to play in foreign leagues

Meanwhile, for Kohli or any other Indian player joining the BBL is impossible under current regulations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strict rules prohibiting active Indian male cricketers from playing in overseas franchise leagues. This restriction is to maintain the exclusivity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and ensure player workload management. 

While Indian women cricketers have been allowed to participate in foreign leagues like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), the rule is strict for male players. Only retired Indian cricketers are permitted to play in overseas leagues.

However, the 35-year-old is currently playing in the IPL 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The star batter has already scored an unbeaten 59 in RCB’s season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders and contributed 31 runs in their victory over Chennai Super Kings. He will next be in action when RCB faces Gujarat Titans on April 2 in Bengaluru.

Kohli, who was the highest run scorer of the previous season with 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75, will be hoping for another similar season. With RCB searching for their maiden IPL title, the side will be dependent on the Delhi-born's performances.