Babar Azam to miss remainder of BBL, to return to Pakistan for team camp

Pakistan batter Babar Azam is set to leave the Sydney Sixers camp on the eve of a high-stakes playoff clash against the Hobart Hurricanes, with a spot in the Big Bash League final on the line.

After an underwhelming run during his stint with the Sixers, Babar has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national training camp, bringing an early end to his Big Bash League season.

“Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures. He will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series,” the Sixers announced via their official social media channels.

Babar arrived in Australia with significant hype but struggled to adapt to the tempo of the tournament. Across 11 innings, he managed 202 runs at a strike rate of just 103.

Mark Waugh on Babar Azam

Former Australia batter Mark Waugh had little sympathy for Babar’s struggles and publicly called for his removal from the top of the order even before news of his departure emerged.

“I think a bit of tough love, they need to rejiggle their batting. Because at the moment, almost totally relying on Steve Smith… Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam,” Waugh said while speaking to broadcasters.

“I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world class, but the thing about winning this tournament and so far he just hasn’t done it. I’m thinking about a new opener, so you can either have Moises Henriques to open, or bring in Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk one of those two, that’s what I’m thinking,” he added.

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In stark contrast, Steven Smith has been in scintillating form, scoring 220 runs in just four matches while showcasing an unusually aggressive brand of batting. However, the opening partnership failed to fully click, with one notable moment seeing Smith turn down a single to retain strike, a decision that prompted a visibly angry reaction from Babar.

Sydney Sixers will now face Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger, with the winner advancing to meet Perth Scorchers in the final.