Cricket: Sydney Sixers sign former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam for his maiden BBL call-up
Azam set for Big Bash League debut for Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers have made clear their intentions to challenge for the title at the upcoming Big Bash League in December by assembling a star-studded lineup which includes the likes of internationals Steve Smith, Moises Henriques and Ben Dwarshuis.
However, in an attempt to reinforce their already formidable batting order, the Sixers made a massive call by securing the services of Pakistan star batter Babar Azam as a pre-draft signing for the upcoming season. We will be covering all the matches at this year’s BBL so be sure to check out our cricket predictions.
According to the BBL rules, every participating franchise is allowed to make one foreign player signing ahead of the BBL draft, and the Sixers faced no competition in roping in the former Shaheens’ skipper, with all other teams having already brought in their one permitted overseas signing.
The Sixers finished last season in second place in the league table but endured a disappointing knockout stage, losing to the Hobart Hurricanes in the Qualifier before being eliminated from the competition by cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder.
In the last six seasons, the Sixers have ended the league phase in either first or second spot, and the team’s general manager, Rachael Haynes, expressed her delight in having Azam as a part of the squad, while hoping he can help them return to title contention once again. She said:
"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar to the Sixers. Babar’s resume speaks for itself. The skill, professionalism, and experience that he brings is of enormous value to our playing group and the news is obviously incredibly exciting for our fans. He is a world-class player and a proven leader. He’s not only a huge addition to our club, but to the league as a whole."
During the BBL draft, Pakistani players proved to be the most in demand. Aside from Azam, Shaheen Afridi became the first pick at the draft, while Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan are also set to feature in the upcoming tournament.
Azam’s record in T20 cricket across the globe
As Haynes alluded to, Azam’s record in the shortest format of the game is nothing short of incredible, and he brings with him a wealth of experience on both the international and domestic circuits, most recently featuring as the captain of Pakistan Super League outfit Peshawar Zalmi.
With an astonishing 11,330 runs to his name, the 30-year-old is the second-highest run scorer in T20s for Pakistan. He has racked up an incredible 11 centuries and 93 fifties, with only West Indian legend Chris Gayle having more T20 tons to his name (22). Discussing his selection with the media, Azam said:
"It's an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world's best T20 leagues and to be a part of such a successful and respected franchise. I'm looking forward to contributing to the team's success, building a strong connection with the fans, and sharing this experience with my friends, family and supporters at home in Pakistan."
Excluding the Pakistan Super League and international competition for the Green Shirts, Azam has also featured in English domestic competitions, the Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and Lanka Premier League.
