Big Bash League: Babar Azam had a disappointing outing in his maiden Big Bash League season before leaving the Sydney Sixers camp for national duty. The franchise confirmed the big update regarding Pakistan's senior batter on Thursday, less than 24 hours before their Challenger clash against Hobart Hurricanes.
Babar was expected to be available for the entire tournament, having not been selected for Pakistan’s T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month. However, with the Men in Green beginning preparations for their upcoming international commitments, the 29-year-old was recalled and departed Australia immediately.
In an interesting turn of events, Babar's absence might turn out as a blessing in disguise for the Sixers, who suffered a 48-run defeat against the Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier on Tuesday. Losing one of their marquee players at such a crucial juncture during a tournament is usually considered a big loss for any team, but with Babar's massive struggle. Talking about the stats, Babar managed to score just 202 runs in 11 matches in the BBL 2025-26 at an average of 22.44. His strike-rate of 103.06 is the lowest ever in BBL history for any batter with over 200 runs in a season.
Lowest strike-rate in a BBL season (minimum 200 runs)
Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers): 103.06 in BBL 15
Nathan McSweeney (Brisbane Heat): 105.21 in BBL 13
Jonathan Wells (Adelaide Strikers): 106.04 in BBL 10
Alex Ross (Brisbane Heat): 106.25 in BBL 06
Jake Weatherald (Adelaide Strikers): 107.03 in BBL 11
"First of all, thank you so much, Sydney Sixers, for having me, all the boys, all the coaches, and I have very much enjoyed my time," Babar said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team to go on national duty. “I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot. Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans, there is always support there, a lot of support, a lot of encouragement, a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much."
While Babar was facing the continuous criticism over his slow scoring strike rate in the T20 format, the Australian great Mark Waugh had called for the 29-year-old's removal from the Sixers' top order ahead of their Challenger game. "I think a bit of tough love, they need to rejiggle their batting. Because at the moment, almost totally relying on Steve Smith… Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam," Waugh had said.
"I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world-class, but the thing about winning this tournament and so far he just hasn’t done it so far. I’m thinking about a new opener, so you can either have Moises Henriques to open, or bring in Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk – one of those two, that’s what I’m thinking," expressed Waugh.