Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who represented Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) has been ruled out ahead of the knockout match.
After the announcement, Babar Azam will not be part of the important match for the Sydney Sixers as he will return to Pakistan for national duties, including the series against Australia next week.
Reacting to the decision, Babar said, “I have very enjoyed my time. Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go on 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(ment), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much.”
The team’s manager Rachael Haynes lauded Babar Azam’s role, saying that “Babar had made an outstanding contribution during his time with the club, but we fully understood Pakistan’s preparations for upcoming matches, which include the World Cup, were now underway.”
“The level of fan engagement generated by Babar’s passionate supporters has been exceptional, highlighted by the Babaristan stand at the SCG, which has been a memorable feature of our home matches this season,” Rachael added.
Babar Azam’s poor form continues in BBL
The star batter Babar Azam’s problems in the ongoing Big Bash League persist as he failed to make any meaningful contribution for Sydney Sixers today in a crucial must win game against Brisbane Heat.
In a high stakes game at Brisbane, the Heat set a tough target to chase by making 171/9 runs in 20 overs. Brisbane’s innings were led by a massive 69 by Nathan McSweeney and a searing 35 off 14 of Michael Neser in the middle overs, which provided the home side a defendable number.
Babar Azam performed poorly, making only one run from seven deliveries before succumbing to Heat pacer Xavier Bartlett, leaving fans and pundits frustrated by the Pakistan star’s inability to adapt to the pace and intensity of the BBL yet again.
Starc admits Babar Azam earns more than him
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc joked that he will give up his number 56 jersey at the Sydney Sixers to the former Pakistani skipper Babar Azam, for his higher pay grade alone.
The lighthearted exchange was during a Big Bash League (BBL) ’60 Second Slog’ video segment with Starc and Australian white-ball captain Mitchell Marsh and the two talked about cricket and bantered playfully.
Both Starc and Babar wear 56 for their respective international side. At the Sixers, Starc currently wears the 56 jersey while Babar wears 056.
When Marsh mentioned Babar’s preference of the number, Starc remarked, “I think he’s paid a lot more than I am, so he probably gets it”.
