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Babar Azam leaves Sixers on eve of finals clash
Sam Kosack • January 22nd, 2026 6:09 pm
Pakistani star Babar Azam will leave the Sydney Sixers effective immediately on the eve of the club's knockout final against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Azam will return to Pakistan to join his teammates in camp as they prepare for a series of international clashes, ruling the opener out of the rest of the tournament.
Hyped as one of the drawcards of BBL15, Azam failed to hit the lofty highs he was initially touted for, averaging 22.44 with two scores of 50 plus.
During a recent match against the Sydney Thunder, Azam was left reportedly feeling 'disrespected' after Steve Smith refused a single to take strike during the power surge.
Sixers opener Babar Azam thanked the Sixers fans, coaches and players for their support during his time with the club.
“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time. Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty.
“I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot.
“Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much.”
