Babar Azam Leaves Big Bash League Midway, Recalled to Pakistan Camp

Babar Azam has left the Big Bash League midway after being recalled to Pakistan’s national camp, ending his Sydney Sixers stint just before a key playoff match.

Babar Azam has left the Sydney Sixers squad ahead of their key playoff match against the Hobart Hurricanes, with a place in the Big Bash League final at stake. The Pakistan batter exits the tournament to report to Pakistan’s national training camp for upcoming international assignments.

The Sixers confirmed that Babar will not be available for the remainder of the BBL15 Finals Series. His exit follows an underwhelming campaign marked by inconsistency. Across 11 innings for the Sixers, Babar scored 202 runs at a strike rate of 103. The output fell short of expectations in T20s.

Mark Waugh Questions Babar Azam’s Role

Earlier, former Australia batter Mark Waugh had offered a blunt assessment of Babar Azam’s Big Bash League campaign, urging the Sydney Sixers to rethink their top order. Waugh felt the Sixers leaned too heavily on Steven Smith and needed immediate changes to stay competitive. He also suggested alternative opening options, including Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, or Jordan Silk.

“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. 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 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,” Waugh had said.

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The Sixers now face Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger round, with the winner advancing to face Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash 15 final.