Babar Azam exits BBL finals early for Pakistan camp before Australia T20Is. Poor form, criticism mark Sydney Sixers stint-implications for team and series.
Pulled From the Playoffs: Babar Azam’s Early BBL Exit Puts National Duty Ahead of Finals Glory:
Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam has abruptly left the Big Bash League finals, recalled by his national team for a preparation camp just hours before Sydney Sixers’ crucial Challenger match against Hobart Hurricanes. The announcement, made on January 22, 2026, comes amid Babar’s lackluster performance in BBL 15-scoring only 202 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 103-and fresh criticism from Australian legend Mark Waugh. This move prioritizes Pakistan’s upcoming home T20I series against Australia, highlighting the ongoing tension between franchise cricket and international commitments in a packed global calendar.
As Sixers chase their fourth BBL title, Babar’s exit leaves a void in their top order, potentially shifting momentum in the playoffs. For Pakistan, his return bolsters preparations for a high-stakes clash with Australia, where Babar will aim to rediscover form after a challenging year.
Sixers Statement Drops Bombshell: Babar Recalled from Finals After Form Struggles and Waugh Critique:
The Sydney Sixers confirmed Babar’s departure in a statement on January 22, 2026, noting they were informed that day of his requirement to join Pakistan’s national camp. “Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures,” the club posted on social media. Babar, who signed a lucrative deal with Sixers for BBL 15, expressed gratitude to fans and teammates in a farewell message, saying, “Thank you for the support.
“Babar’s BBL stint began promisingly but fizzled. In 11 innings, he amassed 202 runs at an average of 22.44, with two fifties (highest 58*) but a sluggish strike rate of 103.06-well below T20 norms. His struggles peaked in recent matches, including a heated exchange with teammate Steve Smith during a game against Melbourne Stars on January 18, where Babar appeared frustrated after a mix-up. Just a day before the announcement, Mark Waugh, on Fox Cricket commentary, urged Sixers to drop Babar, stating, “He’s not performing-time to make a change.”
The recall aligns with Pakistan’s schedule: Fresh off a 1-0 T20I series win in Sri Lanka (first match won by six wickets, second abandoned due to rain, third not mentioned but series concluded), the team now gears up for Australia’s visit. The three T20Is are set for January 29, 31, and February 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore-a key buildup to potential later events like the ICC T20 World Cup.
Babar arrived in Australia in December 2025 for BBL, his first full season in the league after previous commitments limited his participation. Sixers, who topped the regular season with 14 points, now face Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 23 without their star import.
Modern Great Under Scrutiny: Babar's Dip, BBL Experiment, and Pakistan's High-Stakes 2026:
Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of cricket’s modern greats, has captained Pakistan across formats but resigned in late 2023 after a poor World Cup. His 2025 form dipped, averaging under 30 in T20Is, amid scrutiny over strike rates in the powerplay era. Joining BBL was seen as a chance to adapt to aggressive T20 styles, but results mirrored his international woes.
The Big Bash League, Australia’s premier T20 competition, runs from December to January, often clashing with international windows. This isn’t Babar’s first franchise-international conflict; in 2024, he skipped Bangladesh Premier League playoffs for Pakistan duties. Globally, such pulls are common-England’s central contracts restrict players, while India’s ban on IPL stars in overseas leagues avoids clashes.
Pakistan’s 2026 starts busy: The Sri Lanka tour (January 7-11) tested their T20 depth, with Babar scoring 71 runs across the played matches. The Australia series revives a rivalry; Pakistan last hosted Australia in 2022, losing the T20I 0-1. For Babar, it’s redemption; for Pakistan, a win boosts morale before potential Champions Trophy hosting debates. BBL’s international flavor-featuring stars like Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades)-highlights its appeal, but national boards’ recalls underscore cricket’s hierarchy.