In a major boost for the Big Bash League (BBL), the Sydney Sixers have secured Pakistan’s superstar batter Babar Azam for the upcoming season. The signing, confirmed on June 13, stands as one of the most high-profile acquisitions in BBL history. Babar, renowned as one of the world’s best batters, will bring his technical brilliance, leadership, and match-winning ability to the Sixers’ squad this summer.
The move comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) granted Babar a No Objection Certificate (NOC), allowing him to participate in the BBL. Under league rules, each team can sign one international player before the BBL Draft (scheduled for June 19), and the Sixers wasted no time in locking in the former Pakistan captain. Babar’s availability for the entire season, including finals, significantly strengthens the team’s championship ambitions.
A modern-day great, Babar has captained Pakistan in multiple ICC events, leading them to the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-finals and the 2022 final. His accolades include ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year (2021, 2022) and ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year (2022). He also holds the record for the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings) and boasts over 11,000 career T20 runs, proving his dominance across formats.
Expressing his excitement, Babar said he is “super pumped” to join the Sixers and experience the BBL for the first time. Having played in top leagues like the PSL, CPL, and English county cricket, his experience will be invaluable. With Babar’s arrival, the Sixers have sent a strong message to their rivals—they’re serious about lifting the BBL 15 trophy!