Babar Azam Joins Sydney Sixers for Big Bash League 2025-26 Season
MELBOURNE: Pakistani cricket superstar Babar Azam is set to make his debut in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after signing with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the upcoming BBL15 season. This marks a major addition to the Sixers’ squad and one of the most high-profile signings in the league’s recent history.
Babar, the former Pakistan national team captain and the second-highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals, will be available for the entire 2025-26 BBL season, bringing elite experience and star power to the franchise.
“The Sydney Sixers are thrilled to announce the signing of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam for the upcoming BBL15 season, marking one of the biggest acquisitions in the league’s history,” the club said in an official statement on Friday.
🏏 T20 Expertise Around the Globe
The 30-year-old batting maestro has played over 320 T20 matches across global leagues. Most recently, he topped the scoring charts for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), further solidifying his reputation as a world-class T20 batter.
🎙 Babar Azam on Joining BBL
“It’s an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world’s top T20 leagues and to be part of a respected and successful franchise like the Sydney Sixers,” said Babar.
📉 National Team Update
Babar’s international appearances have been limited recently, as he was not selected for Pakistan’s T20 series against Bangladesh, following changes in the team under new head coach Mike Hesson.
🏆 Sixers Aim for Redemption
The Sydney Sixers, who finished second in the 2024-25 BBL season, were knocked out in the playoffs after losses to the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder. With Babar’s inclusion, the team is expected to strengthen its lineup and mount a serious title challenge.
🌍 Overseas Player Draft and Other Big Names
Each BBL team is allowed to sign one overseas player before the draft. The Sixers were the last men’s team to finalize theirs, with other sides already securing stars like Jamie Overton, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, and Sam Billings.
Also in the upcoming player draft:
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Jacob Bethell (Melbourne Renegades) and Ollie Pope (Adelaide Strikers) may return via retention picks.
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Fellow Pakistan stars Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan are among the new players available for selection.
