Babar Azam’s BBL Journey Comes to a Close

Return to the National Team

NEW DELHI: After a series of disappointing performances, Babar Azam‘s time in the Big Bash League (BBL) has ended. The former captain of Pakistan will miss the Sydney Sixers’ Challenger clash against the Hobart Hurricanes due to his recall to the national camp ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Australia and the T20 World Cup.

Underwhelming BBL Performance

Babar’s stint in Australia has not been memorable, as his return to the national side effectively rules him out of the BBL season. His performance raised eyebrows, prompting discussions about his position in the squad. In 11 innings playing for the Sixers, Babar scored just 202 runs with an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06—statistics that stand out negatively in a league known for aggressive batting.

Inconsistent Form

Though he managed to record two half-centuries, his inconsistency was evident, with five single-digit scores marking a tough campaign. The pressure surrounding Babar mounted as the Sixers aimed for a place in the finals, but this debate became moot with his national recall.

Minor Controversy on the Field

During the tournament, Babar found himself at the center of a minor controversy when Steve Smith denied him a single in a match against the Sydney Thunder. This incident visibly upset the Pakistani batter, leading to captain Moises Henriques admitting that mending the situation took some time.

Acknowledgment from Sydney Sixers

The Sydney Sixers confirmed Babar’s situation in a post on X, stating, “Thank you, Babar. Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of the upcoming international fixtures. He will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

Future Prospects for Babar Azam

Pakistan is set to play three T20Is against Australia starting January 29, ahead of the World Cup. Despite his recent challenges in the shortest format, Babar’s recall indicates he remains an integral part of Pakistan’s plans, with hopes that he will regain his form against Australia.