Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam is set to electrify the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, joining the Sydney Sixers as their pre-draft international player. This marks Babar's debut in the Australian T20 league, a move that has generated considerable excitement among fans and cricket enthusiasts alike. The official BBL 15 Draft is scheduled for June 19, but the Sixers have already secured Babar's services, making him one of the most high-profile additions in the league's history.
The Sydney Sixers announced the signing on Friday, expressing their delight at welcoming the Pakistani superstar to their ranks. According to BBL regulations, each team is allowed to sign one international player ahead of the draft, and the Sixers have strategically used this opportunity to acquire Babar.
Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of the finest batters in modern cricket, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for consistency to the Sixers. With over 10,000 international runs across all formats, the 30-year-old has established himself as a reliable performer on the global stage. He captained Pakistan from 2019 to 2024 in all three formats, leading the team to the semi-final of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 edition, showcasing his leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
Known for his technical excellence and composure, Babar has consistently ranked among the top batters in both ODIs and T20Is. His accolades include being named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022, as well as ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2022. He also holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 5,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 97 innings.
Babar's extensive T20 experience, with over 11,000 runs in the format, will be a significant asset for the Sixers. He has participated in major global leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), and England's Vitality Blast. Most recently, he captained Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL and was the top run-scorer for his team.
The Sixers finished second in the 2024-25 season but were knocked out in the play-offs. The addition of Babar Azam is expected to bolster their chances of winning the title in the upcoming season. He will be available for the entire BBL 15 season, including the finals, providing a significant boost to the team's championship aspirations.
Babar joins a strong Sydney Sixers squad that already includes prominent players such as Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Moises Henriques, and Josh Philippe. His presence is anticipated to create a formidable batting lineup and attract even more fans to the BBL.
"I'm very proud to be joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season," said Babar Azam. "It's an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world's best T20 leagues and to be a part of such a successful and respected franchise. I'm looking forward to contributing to the team's success and building a strong bond with the fans."
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes expressed her excitement about the signing, stating, "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar to the Sixers this summer. Babar's resume speaks for itself. The skill, professionalism, and experience that he brings is of enormous value to our playing group, and the news is obviously incredibly exciting for our fans. He is a world-class player and a proven leader. He's not only a huge addition to our club but to the league as a whole."
Interestingly, Babar's signing with the Sydney Sixers comes after reports that he, along with Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, may have been sidelined from Pakistan's T20I plans. This development makes his participation in the BBL even more significant, as it provides him with a platform to showcase his talent and continue his growth in the T20 format. Several other Pakistani players, including Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan, are also expected to enter the overseas draft, increasing the potential for Pakistani talent to shine in the BBL.
