Sixers scoop up Babar for BBL

ISLAMABAD: The Sydney Sixers have secured Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam as a pre-draft international signing for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Babar joined Steve Smith in the Sixers lineup, becoming their designated overseas recruit ahead of the official draft set for June 19. Under BBL rules, each team is allowed to sign one international player before the draft. The Sixers were the last franchise to make such a move, finalising their pick with Babar.

Their squad now features Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, and Jordan Silk, alongside Smith and Babar.

Babar expressed his excitement in a team statement: “It’s an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world’s best T20 leagues and be part of a successful, respected franchise. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team, connecting with the fans, and sharing the experience with my supporters in Pakistan.”

Other Pakistan stars such as Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan will be part of the overseas draft next week. Babar brings extensive T20 experience with over 320 matches under his belt. In the recent Pakistan Super League, he captained Peshawar Zalmi, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 288 runs in 10 innings, striking at 128.57, despite the team finishing second last.