Revealed - Why did Babar Azam leave Sydney Sixers in BBL 2025-26 ahead of challenger clash?

Babar Azam managed only 202 runs in 11 games for Sydney Sixers in Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season.

Babar Azam’s maiden stint in the Big Bash League (BBL 2025-26) tournament has come to an end. The Pakistan batter appeared for the Sydney Sixers and opened the innings with Sixers’ legend Steve Smith as the team tried for the finals’ spot.

After surpassing Rohit Sharma during the South Africa series in November, Babar Azam now holds the record for most runs scored in men’s T20Is with 4,429. His debut season in the BBL, however, did not live up to expectations, as his results did not meet his high international standards.

The 31-year-old managed only 202 runs, including two half-centuries, with a strike rate of 103, which was criticized. Daniel Hughes and Steve Smith, his opening partners, struck at 129 and 172, respectively.

In the competition, Babar only hit three sixes. Among players who have scored more than 200 runs in a single season, his strike rate is also the lowest in BBL history.

Seeing his poor performance, former Australian opener Mark Waugh even asked the Sydney Sixers to drop Babar Azam if they wanted to win the BBL. Waugh even suggested rearranging the batting order, taking into account openers like Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, or Daniel Hughes.

“I think they need a bit of tough love and a rejig in their batting because, right now, it’s almost entirely reliant on Steve Smith. Sam Curran got them out of a tight spot in another game, but he’s gone, and at the moment, there aren’t many players in form. So, I’m looking at bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk,” Waugh told Fox Sports.

“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam. I know he’s world-class, but at the top of the order, he hasn’t delivered consistently enough. When you’re thinking about winning this tournament, you need your openers firing, and so far, he just hasn’t done it,” he added.

Babar Azam is set to miss the Sydney Sixers’ challenger clash of the BBL 2025-26 season; here is the reason

However, the Sydney Sixers might not have to drop Babar Azam from their playing XI, as the Pakistani batter has already left the BBL 15 season on his own.

Babar Azam will return home to start getting ready for future overseas missions after being invited back to the national setup. The senior hitter won’t be able to play in the Sydney Sixers’ crucial Challenger clash.

Pakistan are yet to finalise their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, and they’ll only do so after seeing the performances of players in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia.

Babar Azam sent an emotional message after confirming his resignation from the Sydney Sixers to return to national duty. The veteran batter thanked the fans, teammates, and staff for their support throughout his time with the club.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, and quickies. I really enjoyed my time here. Unfortunately, I have to leave now because of a national duty. I take a lot of things back home. Special thanks to Sydney Sixers fans for a lot of support and fun; I enjoyed the vibes at Sydney Cricket Ground. Thank you so much,” Babar stated in a video shared by Sydney Sixers.

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