Sydney/Lahore, January 23, 2026 – Pakistan captain Babar Azam has left the Big Bash League (BBL) early, ending his season with the Sydney Sixers amid growing criticism of his form and a call-up to Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
The Sixers confirmed on social media that Babar will not feature in the remaining BBL 15 Finals Series matches, including the crucial Challenger clash against the Hobart Hurricanes. The team’s statement thanked him for his contributions and wished him well for his future duties.
Babar’s stint in the BBL was marked by underwhelming performances, as he scored just 202 runs in 11 innings at a modest strike rate for T20 standards. His slow scoring drew criticism from fans and former players alike. Australian great Mark Waugh publicly suggested that the Sixers rethink their batting lineup due to Babar’s struggles.
In addition to performance pressure, some media reports highlighted isolated moments of tension on the field, fueling debate among cricket circles. However, the Sixers maintained that the exit was related to Babar’s national commitments.
Babar shared a heartfelt message for the fans and team, saying he enjoyed his time in Sydney despite the challenges. He expressed gratitude toward teammates, coaches, and supporters before departing to join Pakistan’s training camp ahead of a three-match T20I series against Australia.
His early exit comes at a critical time, just weeks before Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Cricket analysts say this move raises questions about balancing franchise commitments with international duties.
