Sydney Sixers have secured the services of Pakistan’s renowned batsman, Babar Azam, as their pre-draft signing for the forthcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Babar will accompany Steven Smith in the Sixers squad, having been enlisted as their international recruit before the overseas draft slated for 19th June.
Per BBL regulations, each team can enlist one international player prior to the draft. Until now, the Sixers were the sole team yet to announce a pre-signed overseas player. The roster now features players such as Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, and Jordan Silk alongside Babar and Smith.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world’s best T20 leagues and to be part of such a successful and respected franchise,” Babar expressed in a statement released by the Sixers. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success, building a strong connection with the fans, and sharing this experience with my friends, family, and supporters at home in Pakistan.”
A few other Pakistani cricketers are also in line for appearances in the BBL, with Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan set to enter the overseas draft next week.
Boasting substantial T20 experience, Babar has played 320 matches, the latest being in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where he captained Peshawar Zalmi. Although Zalmi didn’t fare well, finishing second from bottom, Babar himself topped the charts for his team with 288 runs across ten innings, achieving a strike rate of 128.57.
Babar has faced challenges on the national front, having been dropped from Pakistan’s T20 side earlier this year. However, he holds a reputable track record in various T20 leagues around the globe, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), and England’s Vitality Blast.
“Babar’s resume speaks for itself,” stated Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes. “The skill, professionalism, and experience that he brings is of enormous value to our playing group and the news is obviously incredibly exciting for our fans.”
She further added, “He is a world-class player and a proven leader. He’s not only a huge addition to our club but also to the league as a whole. The Sixers aspire to be a premier destination club on the global stage – playing at the iconic SCG, delivering top-tier match day experiences, and attracting exceptional talent from around the world. Securing a player of Babar’s calibre only strengthens that vision further.”
