Babar leaves Sixers to join Pakistan camp

The star batter will prepare for the upcoming Australian T20Is

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has left the Sydney Sixers squad ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, returning home to join Pakistan’s national team training camp.

The Sixers confirmed Babar’s departure on Thursday, just over 24 hours before the Challenger clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with the winner set to face Perth Scorchers in the BBL final.

Babar, who was signed as a direct overseas recruit, was initially expected to be available for the entire BBL 15 season. The former Pakistan captain was also not named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, scheduled to begin on January 29, which had raised expectations that he would see out the tournament.

However, the Sixers said they had been informed that Babar was required to return to Pakistan immediately as preparations begin for forthcoming international assignments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the club said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the club respected Babar’s national commitments, despite initially planning for his availability throughout the finals.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches,” Haynes said.

Babar’s maiden BBL season proved underwhelming by his lofty standards. The Pakistan batter scored 202 runs in 11 innings at an average of 22.44, with a strike rate of 103.06, as he struggled to adapt to Australian conditions and the league’s high-tempo demands.

His departure leaves the Sydney Sixers without their marquee overseas signing at a crucial stage of the BBL 2025-26 Finals Series, while Pakistan gain one of their premier batters ahead of a busy international calendar.