Tag: BBL 2025

SYDNEY: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam continued his inconsistent run in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 as he was dismissed for just two runs during Sydney Sixers’ clash against Melbourne Stars on Friday.

Opening the innings for the Sixers, Babar looked uncomfortable from the outset against Tom Curran, who troubled him with a probing out-swinging line.

The right-hander failed to connect with his first three deliveries, all of which carried safely through to the wicketkeeper.

Curran eventually found the breakthrough on the fifth ball of the over, getting one to swing late and draw a thick outside edge, which was comfortably taken by Glenn Maxwell at slip.

Babar departed after facing seven balls, adding another low score to his tally.

 

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The dismissal marked the third time in the tournament that the former Pakistan captain has fallen for a single-digit score.

He had a forgettable start to his BBL campaign, managing just two runs off five balls on debut against Perth Scorchers in a match the Sixers went on to lose.

That was followed by another lean outing against Adelaide Strikers, where he scored nine off 11 deliveries, including a solitary boundary, as Sydney suffered consecutive defeats.

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Babar Azam did show signs of recovery in his third appearance, registering his first BBL half-century with a composed 58 off 42 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes.

That innings played a key role in Sydney Sixers securing their first win of the season and briefly silencing questions over his form.

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Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan has expressed his excitement not only about returning to competitive cricket but also about a much-anticipated showdown with compatriot Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025.

The leg-spinner underwent right-shoulder surgery on July 5 in England after persistent discomfort and multiple medical consultations.

The procedure sidelined him for nearly five months, ruling him out of several major assignments, including the Asia Cup 2025.

Now fully recovered, Shadab Khan is set to return to action in the BBL, where he will represent the Sydney Thunder, his first major appearance since surgery.

Speaking exclusively to ARY News, he said his ambition is simple: make a strong, impactful comeback.

“This is my first event after surgery,” Shadab said. “Because of the surgery, I stayed away from cricket for almost five months.”

“But I’ve completed my preparation for the Big Bash League, and my only aim is to play good cricket and make a strong comeback.”

With multiple Pakistani stars featuring across franchises, Shadab believes this season will attract heightened interest.

“Pakistan’s big-name players will be in action this time,” he said. “Because of Pakistani players, the Big Bash is getting even more attention.”

One of the biggest storylines of the season will be Shadab going head-to-head with former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who will represent the Sydney Sixers.

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The two sides meet twice in the high-voltage Sydney Derby, first on 20 December and again on 16 January.

“Babar and I have played together a lot,” Shadab said. “We understand each other’s mindset. It will be fun when Babar and I face each other on Australian soil.”

Shadab Khan also spoke about the experience of sharing a dressing room with top Australian names.

“Playing alongside David Warner and other Australian players will be a unique experience,” he said.

Reflecting on his recovery, the all-rounder said highs and lows are part of the sport.

“Injuries and being out of form are part of a player’s life,” he admitted. “I accept that I’ve been through that phase too.”

He stressed the importance of all-rounders contributing in every department.

“An all-rounder should focus on both batting and bowling,” he said. “It’s wrong to think that if your batting isn’t going well, your bowling won’t help either. Playing different roles according to the team and the situation is not a bad thing.”

With a strong Pakistani presence expected in the stands, Shadab said fan support plays a key role in boosting confidence.

“There is a large number of Pakistani fans in Australia,” he said. “We get energy from the fans.”

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SYDNEY: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is set to make his debut in the popular Cricket 26 video game after the Sydney Sixers unveiled his in-game appearance through a special reveal video shared on social media.

The franchise posted a clip on Instagram showing Babar batting alongside Steve Smith and celebrating a century at the SCG, with the caption: “Babar & Smudge making tons at the SCG. You can give that a go on Cricket 26, out now.”

The game officially launched on November 19.

 

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The reveal comes as excitement builds ahead of the 15th season of the Big Bash League (BBL), with the full fixture list now confirmed.

A total of 44 matches will be played between December 14 and January 25, 2026, with most games scheduled in the evening. The league will only break for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The tournament will open with a high-profile clash between two of the most successful teams in BBL history, Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, at Perth Stadium.

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Other than Babar Azam, several other Pakistani stars will also be part of the upcoming BBL campaign.

Shaheen Afridi has been snapped up by Brisbane Heat as their first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan will feature for the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf is set to play for the Melbourne Stars, former Pakistan Under-19 all-rounder Hassan Khan returns to the Renegades, Shadab Khan joins the Sydney Thunder, and pacer Hasan Ali will represent the Adelaide Strikers.

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