The Sydney Sixers have secured one of the biggest signings in Big Bash League history, announcing the acquisition of Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam for the upcoming BBL 15 season.
In an official release, the Sixers revealed that Azam, widely regarded as one of the finest batters of the modern era, will be available for the entire tournament — including the finals — making his long-awaited debut in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
With over 10,000 international runs to his name, the 30-year-old right-hander brings a reputation for consistency, class, and match-winning performances. His arrival is seen as a major coup not just for the Sixers, but for the league as a whole.
Under current BBL rules, each club is allowed to sign one international player ahead of the BBL|15 Draft, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 19. Babar fills that slot for the Sixers in what is being hailed as a marquee signing.
Babar, a central figure in Pakistan cricket over the last decade, captained his national team across all three formats between 2019 and 2024. During his leadership, Pakistan reached the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and the final the following year. His accolades include being named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in both 2021 and 2022, and the prestigious ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2022.
Known for his calm demeanor and elegant stroke play, Babar holds the record as the fastest player in history to reach 5,000 ODI runs — achieving the feat in just 97 innings. He also boasts more than 11,000 runs in T20 cricket, having featured in global tournaments including the Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, and English domestic competitions.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes expressed her excitement at signing a player of Babar’s calibre.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar to the Sixers this summer,” Haynes said. “His resume speaks for itself. The skill, professionalism, and experience that he brings is of enormous value to our playing group.”
“Babar is not only a world-class player but a proven leader, and his signing enhances both our team and the league. The Sixers aim to be a global destination club, and adding Babar Azam only strengthens that vision.”
Babar also shared his enthusiasm about joining the Sydney-based franchise.
“I’m very proud to be joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world’s best T20 leagues and be part of such a successful and respected franchise.”
“I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and building a strong connection with the fans. It’s a moment I will cherish and share with my supporters in Pakistan.”
Azam’s inclusion promises to add further star power to the Big Bash League and could open new doors for fan engagement, particularly among the global South Asian cricket community.
