Sydney Sixers have been dealt a major blow ahead of Friday’s do-or-die BBL|15 Challenger, with Pakistan star Babar Azam set to depart Australia after being recalled by his national side. In light of the latest development, Babar will be unavailable for the remainder of the Sixers’ finals campaign. Babar’s recall comes as Pakistan are in the final phase of their preparations for their upcoming T20 series against Australia, scheduled to begin next week in Lahore. The three-match series is crucial in the build-up to next month’s T20 World Cup 2026.
"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," Sydney Sixers wrote on X.
During his short stint in the Big Bash, Babar Azam plundered two half-centuries in his overall tally of 202 runs in 11 innings at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06. Notably, Pakistan have not yet named their squad for the upcoming T20I World Cup 2026. The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia will begin on January 29 in Lahore.