Struggling Babar Azam leaves BBL before Sydney Sixers' playoff match due to Pakistan recall: 'Enjoyed the vibes at SCG'

Babar Azam will not be available for any more Big Bash League (BBL) matches as he has been asked to return home by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to start preparations for the upcoming international T20 series against Australia, that starts next Thursday (29 January). This means Babar will be missing Sydney Sixers’ playoff match against Hobart Hurricanes on Friday (23 January) and the final against Perth Scorchers on Sunday (25 January) if Sydney qualify.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys and quickies,” Babar said in a farewell message video posted onthe Sydney Sixers’ X handle. “I really enjoyed my time here. Unfortunately, I have to leave now because of national duty.

“I take a lot of things back home. Special thanks to Sydney Sixers fans for a lot of support, fun, I enjoyed the vibes at Sydney Cricket Ground. Thank you so much.”

Out-of-form Babar Azam leaves BBL midway

The BBL 2025-26 season is the first time former Pakistan captain Babar played in the tournament, and he struggled to adjust to the pace of the league. In 11 matches, he scored just 202 runs at a strike rate of 103.06. For context, David Warner is the top run-getter in BBL 2025-26 with 433 runs in just eight matches at a strike rate of 154.09.

Some would say the Pakistan team call-up is a blessing in disguise for Babar, who was facing the axe for the Hobart Hurricanes playoff match.

Former Australian batter Mark Waugh was one of the vocal voices on Wednesday who suggested that the Sixers need to put Babar on the bench for the crucial games.

“They need to rejiggle their batting because, at the moment, they are almost totally reliant on Steve Smith. Sam Curran got them out of jail in another game. He’s gone. So at the moment, there aren’t a lot of players in form,” Waugh said.

“So, I’m bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam. You know, I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world-class, but when you’re thinking about winning this tournament, so far he just hasn’t delivered,” Waugh added.

Babar was dismissed for a duck in his last BBL knock, against the Perth Scorchers.

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