Babar Azam to report for national duty, skips Sydney Sixers’ BBL finale

LAHORE: Former skipper Babar Azam has been summoned back home to join the national team’s training camp, forcing him to miss the Sydney Sixers’ Challenger match and final against the Hobart Hurricanes in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2026.

Babar has played 11 matches for the Sixers, scoring 202 runs at a strike rate of 107.48, including two half-centuries. While his consistency has been widely praised, a recent statistical report revealed that he ranks among the slowest scorers in this year’s BBL, second only to fellow Pakistani star Mohammad Rizwan, who has a strike rate of 102.74. Analysts note that both players have opted for a cautious, anchor-style approach, prioritizing stability and partnerships over explosive hitting.

Despite the slower scoring pace, Babar’s contributions have been vital for Sydney Sixers’ campaign. Expressing gratitude to his team and fans, Babar said, “Thanks to Sydney Sixers management for giving me the opportunity to play in the BBL. I would also like to thank all the fans who supported our team. I have had a great time with Sydney Sixers and am going back with a lot of memories. Due to national duty, I have to return to Pakistan.”

The Sixers now face a challenging finale without their star batter, while Babar shifts focus to national duty. His careful approach in the BBL highlights a strategic side of T20 cricket, showing that anchoring an innings can be just as crucial as power hitting in high-pressure matches.