Pakistan’s premier batsman Babar Azam announced his contract with the Sydney Sixers for the forthcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15, signifying a notable acquisition prior to the official draft set for June 19. This acquisition is notable as one of the most significant foreign transactions in the competition’s history.
According to BBL regulations, each franchise is allowed to acquire one international player prior to the draft. The Sixers capitalized on this opportunity to secure Babar, with the Pakistan Cricket Board issuing the requisite No Objection Certificate, alongside other signees such Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
A veteran with over ten years in Pakistan’s national team, Babar captained the squad from 2019 to 2024 and significantly contributed to their advancement to the semi-finals of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 edition. Celebrated for his poise and technical skill, he consistently ranks among the world’s best in both ODIs and T20Is. He received consecutive ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year accolades in 2021 and 2022 and became the fastest player to accumulate 5,000 runs in ODIs, accomplishing this feat in merely 97 innings.
Babar has amassed almost 11,000 runs in T20 cricket, drawing extensive experience from prominent leagues such as the Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, and local competitions in England. His participation is anticipated to significantly bolster Sydney’s campaign, and he is confirmed to be available for the entire BBL season, including the finals.
Upon his signing, Babar conveyed his enthusiasm on social media, stating he was “super pumped” and “very proud” to affiliate with an organization of the Sixers’ caliber. He characterized the opportunity as a chance to participate in one of the premier T20 leagues globally and to “forge a robust connection with the fans,” expressing his anticipation of sharing the experience with supporters in Pakistan.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes characterized Babar as a “world-class player and a proven leader,” asserting that his professionalism and talent will significantly enhance both the team and the league . Babar will join a team that already has international players such as Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Moises Henriques, and others.
This signing extends a series of remarkable performances by Pakistan’s premier players in international T20 tournaments and marks Babar’s inaugural participation in the Big Bash, generating momentum prior to the draft, where other Pakistanis such as Shaheen, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan are still in contention.
