Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, will not play for Sydney Sixers in tomorrow’s BBL match, as he has been recalled to join the national camp ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Australia.
This development effectively ends Babar’s stint in the ongoing 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL 15), with the batter set to miss the remainder of the tournament’s finals phase. Sydney Sixers confirmed the update through an official statement on social media, thanking Babar for his contribution and noting that he was called back for national duty.
In his farewell message, Babar expressed gratitude to the Sixers management, coaching staff, and teammates, saying he enjoyed his experience in Australia but had to depart due to Pakistan commitments. He also praised the Sixers’ supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the season and the electrifying atmosphere at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Babar’s first Big Bash campaign featured flashes of brilliance but faced scrutiny over his scoring tempo. He accumulated 202 runs in 11 matches, including two half-centuries, with a strike rate of 103.06 and an average reported around the low-to-mid 20s, which remained a talking point among analysts.
His recall comes as Pakistan prepare to host Australia for a three-match T20I series in Lahore, serving as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The series is scheduled to begin on January 29, with subsequent matches on January 31 and February 1.
Although Pakistan has yet to announce the official squad, Babar Azam is widely expected to be included. Reports indicate he is also part of the initial pool submitted for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Also read: Babar Loses Places in ICC ODI Rankings
