Sydney Sixers sign Babar Azam for BBL 15

Pakistan cricket star Babar Azam is set to make his Big Bash League (BBL) debut, having signed with the Sydney Sixers for the entire 2025-26 season. This move marks the first time the prolific batter will feature in Australia’s premier T20 competition.

Babar Azam to Feature in BBL for the First Time

Regarded as one of the top T20 batters globally, Babar Azam, 30, brings a wealth of experience to the Sixers. He is the second-highest run-scorer in T20 international cricket history and has played 320 T20 matches in various leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he recently emerged as the top scorer for Peshawar Zalmi.

Despite being left out of Pakistan’s recent T20 series against Bangladesh, Babar remains a high-profile player with unmatched consistency at the top of the order.

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

Sydney Sixers Secure Overseas Star Ahead of Player Draft

Babar’s signing comes just ahead of the BBL overseas player draft, with each franchise allowed to pre-sign one international player. The Sixers were the only men’s team yet to confirm their overseas pick before the deadline, with top English players like Jamie Overton, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, and Sam Billings already snapped up by other teams.

The Sydney Sixers, who finished second in the 2024–25 BBL season, will look to go one better this time around after suffering back-to-back defeats in the playoffs—first against Hobart Hurricanes, then against rivals Sydney Thunder.

Other Notable International Picks in the Draft Pool

Alongside Babar, other high-profile international cricketers will be available in the draft, including:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan from Pakistan
• Sam Curran, Ollie Pope, and Jacob Bethell from England
• Finn Allen (NZ), Colin Munro (NZ), and Tim Seifert (NZ)

In the WBBL, no English player has been pre-signed yet, but teams may retain players like Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

List of Pre-Signed Overseas Players – BBL & WBBL

BBL 2025-26 Overseas Signings:

• Jamie Overton (ENG – Adelaide Strikers)
• Colin Munro (NZ – Brisbane Heat)
• Chris Jordan (ENG – Hobart Hurricanes)
• Tim Seifert (NZ – Melbourne Renegades)
• Tom Curran (ENG – Melbourne Stars)
• Finn Allen (NZ – Perth Scorchers)
• Babar Azam (PAK – Sydney Sixers)
• Sam Billings (ENG – Sydney Thunder)

WBBL 2025-26 Overseas Signings:

• Laura Wolvaardt (SA – Adelaide Strikers)
• Nadine de Klerk (SA – Brisbane Heat)
• Hayley Matthews (WI – Melbourne Renegades)
• Marizanne Kapp (SA – Melbourne Stars)
• Sophie Devine (NZ – Perth Scorchers)
• Amelia Kerr (NZ – Sydney Sixers)
• Chamari Athapaththu (SL – Sydney Thunder)

Note: All overseas players must be available for the full BBL/WBBL season. Hobart Hurricanes WBBL team is yet to announce a pre-signed international player.

Final Thoughts

The inclusion of Babar Azam in the BBL 2025-26 is a major boost for both the Sydney Sixers and the league’s global appeal. His presence promises more viewership, runs, and high-quality batting displays. With several top-tier international stars entering the draft, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive season ahead.