![Babar Azam roasted on internet after BBL exit [Source: @BBL, @eremika_45/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1769063657266_BabarAzamtrolledafterBBLexit.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam roasted on internet after BBL exit [Source: @BBL, @eremika_45/X.com]
Pakistan star Babar Azam’s sudden exit from the BBL has triggered fresh debate, speculation, and strong fan reactions, especially after a below-par season with the Sydney Sixers.
While the official reason for his departure is a national recall ahead of Pakistan’s T20 series against Australia, many fans believe the timing tells a different story.
Babar Azam takes an abrupt exit from BBL
According to official confirmation, Babar Azam will miss Friday’s sudden-death Challenger final against Hobart Hurricanes, and even if the Sydney Sixers progress, he will take no further part in the BBL finals.
His departure comes at a moment when his place in the XI had already become a talking point.
On paper, Babar’s numbers do not look disastrous. He scored 202 runs and registered two half-centuries. But in the sense of Big Bash, in which strike rate can sometimes become more important than average, this performance turned out to be below expectations.
His strike rate of 103 was the lowest in BBL history for any batter scoring over 200 runs in a season. In comparison, opening partner Steve Smith struck at 172, while Daniel Hughes operated at 129.
Fans speculate about different behind-the-scenes stories
Meanwhile, fans quickly picked up on this contrast. Social media platforms were flooded with comments suggesting that Babar Azam was slowing the Sydney Sixers down at the top.
Some of his supporters even felt that his playing style was not suited for the quick-paced nature of the BBL, especially in finals.
Others went further, claiming that Babar’s recall came just in time to avoid an embarrassing omission from the playing XI.
That theory gained traction after former Australia batter Mark Waugh openly suggested dropping Babar before the knockout match.
Waugh said the Sixers were too dependent on Steve Smith and needed to rethink their opening combination.
Did Sixers lose faith in Babar Azam?
The atmosphere around the Sydney Sixers also played a role in the discussion. While Babar Azam enjoyed massive fan support, including the now-famous “Babaristan” stand at the SCG, even loyal supporters began questioning his place as the tournament reached its business end.
Finals cricket leaves little room for sentiment. From the Sixers’ perspective, Babar’s exit simplifies selection. They can now bring back Daniel Hughes or reshuffle the order without having to make a tough call on a global star.
In that sense, his departure removes a potential dressing-room dilemma. Babar Azam, for his part, kept things polite and professional.
He thanked the fans, coaching staff, and teammates and spoke warmly about his experience in Sydney. There was no hint of tension in his words. Still, the timing has ensured that questions will linger.
Whether this was a purely national duty call or a convenient exit will remain a matter of opinion. What is clear is that Babar’s first BBL season did not match his reputation. For a player of his stature, expectations were sky-high, and anything less than dominance was always going to invite scrutiny.
