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Ashes heroes Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith to join Babar Azam at Sydney Sixers

Fresh off a dominant 4-1 Ashes triumph over England, Australian stars Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith are set to shift their focus to the Big Bash League (BBL), where they will join Pakistan superstar Babar Azam at the Sydney Sixers.

Both Starc and Smith confirmed their availability for the Sixers during Australia’s post-match press conference following the fifth Ashes Test, with several other Ashes-winning players also expected to feature in the ongoing Big Bash season.

For Starc, the return carries added significance as it will mark his first appearance for the Sixers since BBL 04, having featured in overall ten matches across four seasons.

Smith, meanwhile, is set to feature in his fourth consecutive Big Bash campaign, having delivered memorable performances in recent seasons, including an unbeaten 121 against the Perth Scorchers last year.

Starc capped off a sensational Ashes series by claiming the Compton-Miller Medal as Player of the Series, courtesy of 31 wickets and a vital 156 runs across five Tests.

Speaking after the series, the left-arm quick made it clear that the Big Bash is now his immediate priority.

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“I’m certainly not looking two years down the road just yet,” Mitchell Starc said when asked about the 2027 Ashes in England.

“I’ll pull on the magenta with the man [Smith] next to me. We’ll see if we can help the Sixers get to another final. Other than the BBL, I haven’t got too many plans other than a bit of golf.”

Starc, who retired from T20Is in October to manage his workload and extend his Test career, could make his Sixers return as early as Sunday, January 11, when Sydney face the Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The timing of their arrival could prove crucial for the Sixers, who currently sit fourth on the BBL 15 points table with three wins and three losses.

Despite securing the services of global star Babar Azam, the Sixers are yet to fully hit top gear this season.

They most recently edged past Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring thriller at Coffs Harbour, chasing down just 115 to stay in the top-four hunt.

READ: Shaheen Afridi fires warning to India ahead of T20 World Cup clash

BBL 15: Babar Azam’s Sixers crush Thunder in Sydney derby

Jack Edwards produced a match-winning five-wicket haul after half-centuries from Babar Azam and Josh Philippe powered Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over arch-rivals Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 derby on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 199, Thunder were bowled out for 151 in 19.1 overs, undone by a ruthless Sixers bowling display led by Edwards, who ripped through the top and middle order to seal the Sixers’ first win of the season.

The chase began in disastrous fashion for Thunder as Edwards struck twice inside the first three overs, reducing them to 17 for three.

Early pressure told, and although Sam Billings attempted to steady the innings, momentum remained firmly with the Sixers.

Cameron Bancroft struggled for fluency during a brief stand with Billings before Joel Davies ended his stay, dismissing him for a laboured seven.

A counter-attack followed when Shadab Khan joined Billings, with the pair adding a brisk 49 runs for the fifth wicket in just 22 balls to briefly revive Thunder’s hopes.

Jack Edwards, however, returned to break the partnership, removing Billings for a well-made 51 off 28 balls, an innings that included three fours and four sixes.

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Shadab Khan continued to fight, scoring 41 off 31 deliveries with three fours and two sixes, but he too fell to Edwards, who completed his five-wicket haul in the 18th over.

With only minor contributions from the lower order, including Chris Green’s 13, Thunder’s resistance ended at 151.

Earlier, the Sixers laid the foundation with a dominant batting effort, scoring 198-5 after being asked to bat first.

Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes struggled to break free against disciplined new-ball bowling, managing 33 runs in 26 balls before Reece Topley removed Hughes for 25.

Josh Philippe joined Babar, and the pair launched a decisive counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the second wicket in just 79 balls to seize complete control of the innings.

Babar, who had endured two modest outings earlier in the tournament, gradually found his rhythm after a cautious start and brought up his maiden BBL half-century from 38 balls.

His innings came to an end in the 18th over when he attempted to hit a short ball from Topley, finishing with a composed 58 off 42 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

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Topley also removed Ben Dwarshuis (1) in the same over to briefly check the scoring rate.

Josh Philippe, however, carried on and looked set for a century before Nathan McAndrew struck twice in the final over, dismissing skipper Moises Henriques (2) and then Philippe himself.

The wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with a fluent 96 off 57 balls, striking ten boundaries, including four sixes.

The Sixers closed on 198 for five, setting a formidable target that proved well beyond the Thunder’s reach.

Topley finished with three wickets for Thunder, while McAndrew claimed two. Shadab Khan went wicketless, conceding 33 runs from three overs.

The result handed Sydney Sixers their first win of BBL 15 after three matches, while the Thunder slipped to their second consecutive defeat of the tournament.

READ: Star batter axed as India name T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Connolly stars as Scorchers outplay Sixers in BBL 15 opener

PERTH: Cooper Connolly smashed 59 off 31balls to propel Perth Scorchers to victory over Sydney Sixers in the opening game of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Set 114, Scorchers chased down the target with five balls to spare, losing five wickets in the process, in a match reduced to 11 overs per side due to rain.

The home side chase started on a poor note as they lost their opening wicket on the third ball of the first over. Mitchell Marsh was caught at first slip by Babar Azam for a duck.

After the early wicket, Finn Allen and Connolly added 39 for the second wicket partnership as the scorecard read 39-1 in 3.5 overs.

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Allen was caught after scoring 16 off eight with the help of two maximums.

Sydney Sixers tried to make a comeback with another wicket in the last over of the powerplay. Jack Edwards sent back Aaron Hardie for 13 to give his side an opening, however Connolly kept the Sixers at bay with his gutsy knock.

Eventually, Scorchers crossed the finishing line despite losing Connolly and Lauria Evans in the ninth over. Skipper Ashton Turner remained unbeaten with 16 from nine balls.

For Sydney Sixers, Ben Dwarshuis picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, Sydney Sixers managed to put 113 for 5 in their allotted 11 overs.

Scorchers inflicted a poor start on Sixers as both of their opening batters were sent back inside the first three overs. Hughes departed for a duck on the third ball of the innings, followed by Babar Azam’s wicket, who only made two.

As a result, Sydney Sixers were reduced to 15-2 in 2.5 overs.

They were put into further dire straits with wickets in the fourth and fifth over, as seasoned batters Moises Henriques and Josh Philippe went back to the pavilion.

Henriques made nine while Philippe scored 28 from 18 with the aid of three fours and a six.

Despite the wickets, Sixers managed to post a respectable total courtesy of Jack Edwards brisk knock. Edwards hit 46 from 21 balls, laced with two sixes and half a dozen boundaries.

For Perth Scorchers, Brody Couch scalped two wickets in his two overs.

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BBL 15: Sydney Sixers reveals Babar Azam’s unique jersey number

Sydney Sixers have given their marquee overseas signing, Babar Azam, a distinctive identity ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, unveiling a customised jersey number for him.

The former Pakistan skipper, who arrived in Sydney this week to begin his BBL stint, will wear the number 056, a creative adaptation of his usual 56.

The franchise introduced the unique number across their social media platforms, releasing images of Babar at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) sporting his new look.

The tweak comes out of necessity, with Mitchell Starc, a mainstay at the Sixers, retaining the traditional 56 jersey.

The club showcased the pairing with a playful reveal captioned, “056 x 56 🔥 Babar wears 056, and Starc will wear 56 in BBL|15.”

The Sixers followed up the announcement with a short teaser video marking Babar’s arrival, showing the star batter walking into the dressing room with the simple caption: “He’s arrived.”

His inclusion is among the most anticipated features of BBL 15, which begins December 14 and runs through January 25, 2026, with 44 matches, most in prime-time evening slots.

Pakistan’s presence in this year’s competition is set to be one of the strongest in recent editions. Alongside Babar and Shaheen Afridi, several other national players were snapped up in the BBL 15 auction.

Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan will represent the Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf joins the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan links up with the Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali features for the Adelaide Strikers.

READ: Virat Kohli closes in on leader Rohit Sharma in ODI Batting Rankings

Melbourne Renegades reveal ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ for Sydney Sixers clash

The Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 will embrace a distinctly Pakistani flavour as the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers introduce fan zones to celebrate their superstar signings, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.

The Renegades have unveiled the ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ at Marvel Stadium ahead of their New Year’s Day clash against the Sixers, marking one of the most anticipated fixtures of BBL 15.

The franchise announced the initiative through its social media platforms, captioning the post: “Kicking 2026 off with a bang! Two icons. One bay. An electric atmosphere. Don’t miss it!”

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Meanwhile, the Sixers have launched “Babaristan,” a special fan zone dedicated to former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

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The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

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“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the franchise said in its official statement.

Fans will get their first glimpse of Babaristan when the Sixers open their campaign against the Adelaide Strikers on December 17.

The BBL’s 15th edition, running from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches, all scheduled in early-evening slots to attract maximum viewership.

The tournament kicks off with a blockbuster clash between two powerhouse sides, the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, at Perth Stadium.

WATCH: Ali Tareen responds to PCB’s legal notice with apology video

Sydney Sixers unveil ‘Babaristan’ fan zone to welcome Babar Azam

Sydney Sixers have rolled out a grand welcome for Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam, announcing the launch of a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

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The Sixers have encouraged fans to join the festivities when they face the Adelaide Strikers in their opening clash on December 17, a match that will also mark Babar’s much-awaited BBL debut.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring 44 matches between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.

The tournament opener will see the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in a blockbuster encounter at Perth Stadium.

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Babar’s inclusion has already created a wave of anticipation, with the Sixers’ fanbase preparing to turn sections of the stands into “Babaristan,” a symbolic nod to Pakistan’s deep-rooted cricket passion.

Several other Pakistani cricketers are also set to feature in the upcoming BBL season.

Pacer Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will represent the Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has joined the Adelaide Strikers, and all-rounder Hassan Khan will return to the Renegades.

READ: Babar Azam returns as Pakistan reveal white-ball squads

How much will Babar Azam earn during his BBL stint with Sydney Sixers?

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has become one of the highest-paid players in Big Bash League (BBL) history after signing with the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season 15 of the league.

According to sources, the Sixers have pre-signed Babar in the Platinum category, but the agreement reportedly exceeds the standard base price of PKR 7.75 crore, with his deal valued close to PKR 10 crore.

The Sixers used their option to pre-sign one overseas player ahead of the BBL 15 draft scheduled for June 19, and they made a massive statement by roping in one of world cricket’s most consistent and bankable performers.

The 30-year-old has over 10,000 international runs, is a former ICC Cricketer of the Year, and remains a modern-day great in the white-ball formats.

Babar has captained Pakistan across all three formats from 2019 to 2024, leading the side to the 2021 T20 World Cup semi-final and the 2022 final.

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He holds multiple records, including being the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings), and has previously featured in top leagues such as the PSL, CPL, and various English T20 tournaments.

With more than 11,000 runs in T20s, Babar’s presence instantly elevates the Sixers’ campaign.

Babar Azam will be available for the entire BBL 15 season, including the finals, offering the Sydney Sixers not just a big-name signing but a player with proven match-winning ability and composure under pressure.

It’s worth noting that a total of 74 Pakistani male cricketers and 11 female players have thrown their hats in the ring for the BBL and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) drafts, scheduled on June 19.

Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, and Mohammad Hasnain are among the notable names to register for the BBL 15 Draft.

READ: Arshad Nadeem makes Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ South Asia list

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.

READ: Finn Allen rewrites T20 record books with blistering 151 in MLC 2025 opener

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