Former Pakistan Captain and Star batter Babar Azam. Photograph: X
Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has left the Sydney Sixers squad forward of the Huge Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Challenger in opposition to Hobart Hurricanes, returning dwelling to hitch Pakistan’s nationwide workforce coaching camp.
The Sixers confirmed Babar’s departure on Thursday, simply over 24 hours earlier than the Challenger conflict on the Sydney Cricket Floor (SCG), with the winner set to face Perth Scorchers within the BBL ultimate.
Babar, who was signed as a direct abroad recruit, was initially anticipated to be accessible for your entire BBL 15 season. The previous Pakistan captain was additionally not named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match dwelling sequence in opposition to Australia, scheduled to start on January 29, which had raised expectations that he would see out the event.
Nevertheless, the Sixers mentioned they’d been knowledgeable that Babar was required to return to Pakistan instantly as preparations start for forthcoming worldwide assignments.
“The Sydney Sixers have immediately been knowledgeable that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to hitch his nationwide teammates in camp, as preparations start for upcoming worldwide matches,” the membership mentioned in an announcement.
“In consequence, Babar will depart Australia instantly and won’t be accessible for choice for the rest of the BBL|15 Finals Sequence.”
Sixers normal supervisor Rachael Haynes mentioned the membership revered Babar’s nationwide commitments, regardless of initially planning for his availability all through the finals.
“Whereas we had initially deliberate for Babar to be accessible all through the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we totally perceive that the graduation of Pakistan’s nationwide camp means preparations at the moment are underway for upcoming matches,” Haynes mentioned.
Babar’s maiden BBL season proved underwhelming by his lofty requirements. The Pakistan batter scored 202 runs in 11 innings at a mean of twenty-two.44, with a strike price of 103.06, as he struggled to adapt to Australian circumstances and the league’s high-tempo calls for.
His departure leaves the Sydney Sixers with out their marquee abroad signing at a vital stage of the BBL 2025-26 Finals Sequence, whereas Pakistan achieve one in all their premier batters forward of a busy worldwide calendar.
