Babar to leave BBL to join Pakistan’s camp ahead of Australia series

Babar Azam is set to leave his Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Sixers, to join Pakistan’s team camp ahead of the Australia series. 

Babar leaves Sydney for national duty

The three-game series which begins January 29, will serve as the final T20 World Cup preparation for both teams. Players from Australia’s T20I squad currently involved in the BBL are expected to join the rest of the side, which will be in the UAE for a pre-tour camp, late, shortly before flying to Pakistan on January 28.

The news came a little over 24 hours out of the Sydney Sixers’ Challenger against the Hobart Hurricanes, which will be a decider for the second finalist.

"The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches," the Sydney Sixers said in a statement.

"As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series."

Pakistan to fine-tune preps in the lead-up to the T20 WC

While Babar had earlier been allowed to play the tournament in its entirety by the PCB, the board seems to have taken a U-turn on that decision with the T20 World Cup approaching. 

"The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia," Rachael Haynes, the Sixers' General Manager, said.

"While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan's national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches."

Babar has had a dismal debut stint with the Sydney Sixers, where he scored at an average of 22, striking at 103. His strike rate was among the lowest in one BBL season. 

However, that does not seem to have affected his chances with Pakistan at the T20 World Cup. His inclusion in the camp suggests that he remains in the selectors’ plans for the tournament, though Pakistan have yet to announce their squad.

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