![Babar Azam to miss remainder of BBL 2025-26 [Source: @SixersBBL/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769060043227_babarazamoutofBBL.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam to miss remainder of BBL 2025-26 [Source: @SixersBBL/X]
In a significant development, experienced batter Babar Azam returned to Pakistan amid the ongoing BBL season. Babar Azam will join Pakistan's national camp as the Men in Green start their preparations for the Australia series as well as the T20 World Cup 2026. As a result, the veteran cricketer will miss the remainder of the BBL season. The Sydney Sixers confirmed the development through a post on its official X handle, thanking Babar Azam and wishing him good luck for his upcoming ventures.
Babar Azam to miss remainder of BBL due to national commitment
Pakistan's experienced top-order batter Babar Azam was roped in as one of the most high-profile signings by the Sydney Sixers ahead of the BBL 2025-26. Although he slammed two crucial half-centuries, Babar ended up his maiden BBL stint with modest figures, managing 202 runs at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06.
Despite Babar's underwhelming returns, Sydney Sixers managed to qualify for the BBL finals, reaching the qualifier of the competition. Having lost to Perth Scorchers, the Sixers are now gearing up to face Hobart Hurricanes in the challenger, which will be a knockout game.
Ahead of the clash, Babar Azam has been recalled by the Pakistan team management to link-up with the rest of their squad. The Men in Green are fine-tuning themselves for a three-match T20I series against Australia, which will serve as their final dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Babar Azam is expected to play a crucial role for his team in the series, as he would be keen to bounce back from the BBL setback and stake his claim in Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, which the PCB has yet to announce.
Babar Azam's BBL 2025-26 journey in a nutshell
Hailed for his stoic technique and glorious stroke-play, Babar had a shaky start to his first-ever BBL stint, scoring eleven runs in the first two innings combined. However, he bounced back in style, slamming fifty-plus scores against the Thunder and Melbourne Renegades before being trapped by a persistent lean patch.
While all the focus shifted to Steve Smith's blitzkreig, Babar continued to struggle at the other end, registering a string of low scores. Apart from his on-field failures, Babar also grabbed the limelight due a heated moment with Smith, who strategically refused him for a last-ball single ahead of the Power Surge.
The heated moment between the opening partners created controversy; however, Babar formally dismissed the rift rumours by appreciating one of Steve Smith's valiant fielding efforts during the high-voltage match against Brisbane Heat.
Pakistan's upcoming cricket schedule
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan will cross swords against Australia in a three-match T20I series at home. All three T20Is will be played on January 29, 31 and February 1, respectively, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. They will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign thereafter and take on India, Namibia, the Netherlands and United States in their group-stage matches.
