On the eve of a crucial playoff game against the Hobart Hurricanes, where a berth in the Big Bash League final is at risk, Pakistani batter Babar Azam is scheduled to depart the Sydney Sixers camp.
Babar’s Big Bash League season has ended early when he was called up to attend Pakistan’s national training camp following a lacklustre performance during his time with the Sixers.
In preparation for forthcoming international matches, Babar Azam has been asked back to join Pakistan’s national team. The Sixers declared on their official social media platforms that he will not be available for the rest of the BBL|15 Finals Series.
Thank you, Babar 👑
Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
He will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.
More info at https://t.co/XFOTpJiF9I 📲 pic.twitter.com/EOaLKZlLG0
— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 22, 2026
Babar had a lot of excitement when he arrived in Australia, but he had trouble keeping up with the tournament’s pace. He scored 202 runs at a strike rate of just 103 in 11 innings.
Regarding Babar Azam, Mark Waugh
Even before word of Babar’s departure spread, former Australia batsman Mark Waugh publicly urged for his removal from the top of the order because he had no empathy for his plight.
A little tough love, in my opinion; they should rearrange their batting. Because we are currently nearly entirely dependent on Steve Smith… Waugh told broadcasters, “Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam.”
He hasn’t done enough at the top of the order, in my opinion. I am aware that he is a world-class player, but he hasn’t yet succeeded in winning this tournament. He continued, “I’m considering a new opener, so you can either have Moises Henriques open or bring in Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk, one of those two.”
Go here to watch the entire video:
“I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam.”
Mark Waugh believes the Sydney Sixers need to adjust their side if they want to win #BBL15. pic.twitter.com/9uT0S81Hbc
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 21, 2026
With 220 runs in just four games and an exceptionally aggressive batting style, Steven Smith, on the other hand, has been in outstanding form. The opening partnership, however, didn’t work out as planned. One particularly noteworthy instance was when Smith declined a single to keep the strike, which infuriated Babar.
The Sydney Sixers will now play the Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger, and the victor will play the Perth Scorchers in the championship game.
India
