Babar Azam will not be part of the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season after leaving Australia midway through the tournament. The Pakistan star has returned home to join his national team’s training camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures and preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.
The development was confirmed by Sydney Sixers, who thanked Babar for his contribution and officially announced that he will be unavailable for the rest of the BBL finals. His exit comes at a crucial time, with the Sixers still in contention for the title.
On Tuesday, during the BBL 2025-26 Qualifier, the Sixers suffered a defeat against the Perth Scorchers, pushing them into the Challenger match. The Sixers are now set to face the Hobart Hurricanes in a knockout clash, but without Babar in their lineup.
Babar Azam’s Performance in BBL 2025-26
Babar Azam was one of the most high-profile overseas signings of the season, arriving with big expectations. However, his first BBL campaign turned out to be a challenging one. In 11 innings, Babar scored 202 runs, averaging 22.44, with a strike rate of 103.06. He did manage two half-centuries, but consistency and scoring speed remained a concern throughout the tournament.
Babar Azam – BBL 2025-26 Stats & Records
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 11 | 202 | 22.44 | 103.06 | 2 |
While Babar struggled, Steve Smith carried much of the Sixers’ batting responsibility, often putting pressure on the rest of the top order to keep up.
Thank you, Babar 👑
— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 22, 2026
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
Criticism and Key Moments
Former Australia batter Mark Waugh publicly questioned Babar’s place in the playing XI, suggesting that the Sixers needed “tough love” and a more aggressive opening combination. There were also on-field moments that drew attention, including a tense exchange when Smith declined a quick single to retain strike during a crucial phase of an innings.
Read more: BBL Introduces New Designated Batter Rule
Despite these setbacks, the Sixers still managed to qualify for the finals, showing strong team depth even as Babar’s form dipped.
Babar has been recalled to Pakistan’s national camp as the team begins preparations for a three-match T20I series against Australia, which will act as a key rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. With the World Cup squad yet to be announced, the series will be important for Babar to re-establish his position and confidence in the shortest format.
For the Sydney Sixers, the focus now shifts entirely to the Challenger match as they chase another BBL title—this time without their marquee Pakistan signing.
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