The Sydney Sixers’ quest for another BBL (Big Bash League) title has hit a significant speed bump. In a sudden turn of events, the club announced on Thursday that Pakistani superstar Babar Azam has been withdrawn from the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals series.
Babar is required to return home immediately to join a national team camp as Pakistan begins preparations for their upcoming international schedule.
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The timing is far from ideal for the Sixers. The announcement came just 24 hours before their high-stakes Challenger final against the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG. While the winner moves on to face the Perth Scorchers in Sunday’s Grand Final, they will have to do so without their high-profile opener.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes expressed the club’s disappointment, noting that they had initially planned for Babar to be available for the entire tournament. Despite the early exit, Haynes praised his contribution, stating he was an “immensely valued member” of the squad.
Babar’s stint in the BBL wasn’t without its headlines. Recently, captain Moises Henriques revealed that Babar was “quite upset” following an on-field misunderstanding where Steven Smith denied him a single. Henriques noted it took a few days for things to settle, attributing the friction to a cultural misunderstanding that was eventually resolved through mediation with coach Greg Shipperd.
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Statistically, it was a mixed bag for the Pakistani legend. Babar finishes his first BBL campaign with:
- Total Runs: 202
- Matches: 11
- Average: 22.44
- Strike Rate: 103.06
- Highlights: Two half-centuries
Despite the modest strike rate, Babar remained positive, thanking the Sydney fans for their “vibe” and encouragement. As he departs, veteran Daniel Hughes returns to the squad for his 100th BBL game, while the Hurricanes welcome back skipper Nathan Ellis.