Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has left the Sydney Sixers squad ahead of their Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Challenger match against the Hobart Hurricanes. He will return to Pakistan to join the national team’s training camp in preparation for upcoming international duties.
The Sixers confirmed Babar’s departure on Thursday, just over 24 hours before the crucial Challenger match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The winner of the match will face the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final.
Initially signed as a direct overseas recruit, Babar was expected to be available for the entire BBL 15 season. However, with his omission from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, which starts on January 29, many had anticipated his continued participation in the tournament.
The Sixers released a statement confirming Babar’s departure, stating, “The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches.” As a result, Babar will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL 15 Finals Series.
Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes expressed respect for Babar’s national commitments, acknowledging his importance to the team. “While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches,” Haynes said.
Babar’s first season in the BBL has been underwhelming by his standards, as he scored 202 runs in 11 innings at an average of 22.44, with a strike rate of 103.06. His departure leaves the Sixers without their marquee overseas signing at a critical stage of the BBL Finals, while Pakistan gains one of their top batters ahead of a packed international schedule.
