Sydney Sixers will be without Babar Azam for the remainder of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after the Pakistan star was asked to return home to join his national team camp. The franchise confirmed this on Thursday, January 22.
Confirming the development, Sydney Sixers released a statement saying, “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 statement further added, “As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”
In the tournament, Babar failed to showcase consistent performances and scored only 202 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06.
Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the club had hoped to have him available until the finals. “The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia,” she said.
Haynes further added, “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.”
Babar also shared an emotional message on his departure, which stated, “First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time. Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty.”
Sydney Sixers will next face Hobart Hurricanes on January 23 in Sydney. The winner of that match will face Perth Scorchers in the final on January 25.
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