Babar Azam reacts after signing with Sydney Sixers for BBL 15

Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam has reacted to his signing with the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15 on Friday.

The franchise based in Sydney called this signing ‘one of the biggest acquisitions in the league’s history’ in their announcement.

“The Sydney Sixers are thrilled to announce the signing of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam for the upcoming KFC BBL|15 season, marking one of the biggest acquisitions in the league’s history,” the franchise said in a statement.

“Widely regarded as one of the premier batters of the modern era, Azam is set to bring his trademark class, consistency, and match-winning ability to the Sixers this summer.”

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain expressed his pride at joining the Sixers for the 15th edition of the marquee league.

“I’m very proud to be joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season,” Babar said, reacting to the blockbuster deal.

Babar, who has played extensively in Australia across formats, is eagerly looking forward to making his BBL debut, something he had been eyeing for a while.

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“It’s an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world’s best T20 leagues and to be a part of such a successful and respected franchise,” he added.

The former Pakistan captain also expressed his desire to connect with fans, both in Australia and back home in Pakistan, through his performances in the Sixers jersey.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success, building a strong connection with the fans, and sharing this experience with my friends, family and supporters at home in Pakistan,” he further stated.

Calling it an honour to share the dressing room with some of the biggest names in world cricket, Babar couldn’t hide his excitement about teaming up with the Sixers’ elite.

“I’m very excited to share the dressing room with world-class players like Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood,” he remarked.

Despite his vast experience in Australian conditions, Babar admitted he is especially thrilled about this new chapter.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket in Australia, but I’ve been eagerly waiting for a chance to feature in the BBL,” Babar concluded.

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Sydney Sixers sign Babar Azam ahead of BBL 15

Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam has officially joined the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, the franchise confirmed on Friday.

The prolific right-hander, who boasts over 14,000 international runs and a mountain of accolades, including the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2022, will be available for the entirety of the season.

Currently ranked 12th in the ICC’s T20I batting rankings, Babar brings not only consistency but class to the Sixers’ lineup.

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With 11,330 T20 runs at an average of 43.07, no player in the format’s history has scored more runs with a better average.

Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes, said the club was thrilled to secure a player of Babar’s quality.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar Azam to the Sixers this summer,” said Haynes.

“Babar’s resume speaks for itself. The skill, professionalism, and experience that he brings are of enormous value to our playing group, and the news is obviously incredibly exciting for our fans.

“He is a world-class player and a proven leader. He’s not only a huge addition to our club, but to the league as a whole.

“We can’t wait to welcome Babar into our group later this year, and we know our members and fans will be thrilled to see him in Sixers colours.”

The Sixers — three-time BBL champions — now have a formidable squad with the likes of Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott, and Babar Azam leading the charge.

READ: Babar Azam’s cover drive earns mention during WTC Final at Lord’s

WATCH: Babar Azam set to make BBL debut as Sydney Sixers teaser video creates buzz

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam is likely to join the Sydney Sixers in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15 as a teaser video hints at a major signing. 

The Sydney Sixers hinted at the potential signing of Babar Azam on its social media platform, creating excitement among fans.

The three-time BBL champions have yet to reveal further details of Babar Azam’s contract.

 

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For the unversed, this year’s BBL draft, scheduled for 19 June, is expected to be one of the most competitive yet, with over 600 overseas players putting their names forward.

The full list of nominations will be announced in the lead-up to the draft.

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Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain were among the Pakistan players who had registered for the upcoming draft of the BBL season 15.

Alongside the Pakistani player, the draft list also features England’s Sam Curran and Alex Hales, New Zealand duo Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera, and West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

Brisbane Heat hold the No. 1 pick for the men’s draft and will have the first chance to pick from a star-studded pool.

The women’s draft for WBBL 11 will run parallel, and Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana is part of the nomination list.

Other big names include England’s Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge; India’s Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey; South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Chloe Tryon; and West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin.

READ: Mohammad Yousuf steps down as Pakistan’s batting coach

Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan among Pakistan players to enter BBL 15 draft

Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are among the Pakistan players who have registered for the upcoming draft of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, scheduled to take place on June 19.

Joining them on the draft list are fellow internationals Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, forming a strong Pakistan contingent aiming for another stint in one of the world’s premier T20 leagues.

This year’s BBL draft is set to be one of the most competitive yet, with over 600 overseas players putting their names forward.

Pakistan’s gap in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) from November to February provides their top cricketers a window of opportunity to participate in the BBL 15.

Brisbane Heat hold the No. 1 pick for the men’s draft and will have the first chance to pick from a star-studded pool.

Alongside the Pakistani quartet, the initial draft list also features England’s Sam Curran and Alex Hales, New Zealand duo Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera, and West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

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The women’s draft for WBBL 11 will run parallel, and Pakistan women’s captain Fatima Sana is part of the nomination list.

Other big names include England’s Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge; India’s Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey; South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Chloe Tryon; and West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin.

BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson welcomed the high-profile names registering for this year’s drafts, calling it a sign of the league’s global appeal.

“Names like Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Heather Knight, and Sophie Ecclestone show that the BBL and WBBL remain attractive leagues for top international talent,” Dobson said.

“The presence of these stars will add a new flavour to the Big Bash this season.”

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