Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been forced to cut short his Big Bash League stint after being recalled by his national side, ruling him out of Friday’s must-win Challenger final for the Sydney Sixers. The decision means the Sixers will be without their star opener for the remainder of the finals, even if they defeat the Hobart Hurricanes at the Sydney Cricket Ground to book a place in Sunday’s Big Bash final against the Perth Scorchers. Babar has been recalled to join Pakistan’s preparations for a three-match T20 international series against Australia, scheduled to begin next week in Lahore. The series forms part of Pakistan’s build-up to next month’s T20 World Cup, although the squad for the global tournament has yet to be announced. In a farewell message released by the Sixers, Babar thanked the club and its supporters for their backing during his brief stay. “I have very much enjoyed my time here,” he said. “Unfortunately, I now have to leave the team to go for national duty. I’m taking back a lot of positive memories, a lot of fun, and great experiences.” A message from Babar before he heads back to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp 🩷 pic.twitter.com/0vO0Nuokzw— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 22, 2026 He paid special tribute to Sixers fans, saying the atmosphere at the SCG — particularly the vocal support from the so-called “Babaristan” section — made his time in Sydney memorable. Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the club fully respected Pakistan’s decision, despite the timing being a blow during finals week. “Babar has made a strong contribution on and off the field,” Haynes said. “The level of fan engagement he generated was exceptional, and the Babaristan stand has been one of the highlights of our home matches this season.” Statistically, Babar’s first Big Bash campaign delivered mixed returns. While he scored 202 runs, including two half-centuries, his strike rate of 103 lagged well behind fellow openers Steve Smith (172) and Daniel Hughes (129). He struck just three sixes across the tournament — the lowest strike rate recorded in BBL history for a player with more than 200 runs in a season. Those numbers had already sparked debate about his role in the Sixers’ finals push. Former Australia batter Mark Waugh suggested earlier this week that the Sixers should consider reshaping their top order. “At the moment, the batting is almost entirely reliant on Steve Smith,” Waugh said on Fox Cricket. “As harsh as it sounds, Babar hasn’t quite done enough at the top this tournament.” Babar’s departure now removes that selection dilemma altogether. Veteran left-hander Daniel Hughes is the most likely replacement at the top of the order, while captain Moises Henriques could also move up, allowing Jordan Silk to return to the middle order. Thank you, Babar 👑Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures.He will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.More info at https://t.co/XFOTpJiF9I 📲 pic.twitter.com/EOaLKZlLG0— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) January 22, 2026 The Sixers will also continue to back their younger players, with Lachy Shaw, Joel Davies and Jack Edwards all given extended opportunities during this finals run. “We were thrown into the deep end in the Qualifier,” Edwards said on Thursday. “It didn’t go our way, but it’s a learning experience. If we’re in that situation again, we’ll be better prepared.”
From SCG Debut to SCG Farewell: Usman Khawaja Announces Test Retirement
Usman Khawaja has confirmed he will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the final Test of the Ashes series in Sydney, bringing an end to a remarkable and often hard-fought Test career. The 39-year-old left-hander will play his final international match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, finishing with 87 Test appearances, 6,206 runs and 16 centuries to his name. Speaking to reporters with his family present, Khawaja said the decision had been weighing on him throughout the series. He admitted he entered the Ashes with a strong sense that this would likely be his farewell tour, even though he kept the option of continuing open until recently. Khawaja said discussions with his wife Rachel helped him reach clarity, while Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had continued to back him, even considering plans for future tours. Ultimately, however, he felt the time was right to step aside, especially after a difficult start to the series and being left out of the Adelaide Test initially. Reflecting on the criticism he faced over the past two years, Khawaja pushed back against suggestions that he had overstayed his welcome. He revealed that he had openly told team management he would retire immediately if they felt it was best for the team, but was repeatedly encouraged to continue due to his value in major assignments, including the World Test Championship and overseas tours. Although his international career will conclude in Sydney, Khawaja is not stepping away from cricket entirely. He confirmed he will continue playing domestic cricket, featuring in the Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat and aiming to represent Queensland in the Sheffield Shield later this summer. The SCG holds deep significance for Khawaja. It was the venue of his Test debut against England in 2011 and later the ground where his career was revived more than a decade later with twin centuries during the 2021–22 Ashes after a surprise recall. Khawaja’s journey has been defined by resilience. After early struggles to secure a permanent spot, he reinvented himself multiple times, overcoming repeated omissions, particularly on the subcontinent. His career-defining phase came after a recall in Sydney, from which he went on to average over 60 across nearly two years, play a key role in Australia’s return to Pakistan, and dominate bowling attacks in England and India. Cricket Australia praised his impact both on and off the field, highlighting not only his elegant batting but also his leadership and contributions beyond the game. As Australia prepares for life after Khawaja, questions remain over the future of the opening combination, but his departure marks the end of one of the most inspiring late-career resurgences in modern Australian cricket.
Babar Azam Outshines Rizwan as Sydney Sixers Down Melbourne Renegades
Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam delivered a calm and commanding performance to steer Sydney Sixers to a six-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades in their Big Bash League Season 15 clash at Docklands Stadium on Thursday. The highly anticipated contest, which also featured Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, began with the Sixers winning the toss and opting to bowl first — a decision that paid early dividends. Melbourne’s innings stumbled almost immediately as Tim Seifert was dismissed for eight within the opening two overs, leaving the hosts struggling at 10 for 1. Rizwan then attempted to rebuild alongside Josh Brown, but the partnership leaned heavily on Brown’s aggressive stroke play. Brown counter-attacked in style, smashing 43 from just 19 deliveries, including three boundaries and four towering sixes. However, his dismissal by Hayden Kerr ended the brief resurgence. Rizwan failed to find momentum and departed shortly after, managing only six runs off ten balls. Jake Fraser-McGurk provided some stability through the middle overs, compiling 38 from 29 balls with four fours before being removed by Sean Abbott after pushing the total past 100. Hassan Khan injected late energy with a rapid 39, featuring three sixes and a four, but his dismissal in the final over halted the Renegades’ finishing push. Melbourne eventually closed on 164 for 9. Abbott led the Sixers’ bowling attack with three wickets, while Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis and Hayden Kerr chipped in with two each. Chasing 165, the Sixers got off to a steady start as Babar and Daniel Hughes added 46 for the opening stand. Hughes fell for 30 off 23 balls, but Babar remained unruffled at the crease. Josh Philippe and skipper Moises Henriques played useful supporting roles, contributing 16 and a quick 23 respectively, to keep the chase on course. After the fourth wicket fell, Babar found the ideal partner in Joel Davies. The pair stitched together an unbeaten 51-run partnership, guiding the Sixers home with five balls to spare. Babar finished on a composed 58 not out from 46 deliveries, striking four fours and a six, while Davies sealed the win with an explosive 34* off just 15 balls. For the Renegades, Gurinder Sandhu claimed two wickets, with Will Sutherland and Matthew Spoors picking up one each. The victory marked Sydney Sixers’ second win of the season, lifting them to fifth place on the points table. Melbourne Renegades remain seventh, with just one win to their name, ahead of only Sydney Thunder.
‘A Matter of Pride’: Sydney Thunder Back Shadab Khan’s International Return
Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has received warm congratulations from his Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder after being named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for January 2026. Currently plying his trade for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, Shadab is set to depart for national duty after featuring in Thunder’s fixture against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 4, a franchise spokesperson confirmed. The spokesperson added that the all-rounder will return in time for the high-profile Sydney Smash at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 16 and will remain available for the rest of the BBL season, even if Thunder advance to the final. Shadab has enjoyed a productive campaign so far, scoring 100 runs at an average of 33.33 while picking up six wickets, making him Thunder’s leading wicket-taker this season. Reacting to his national call-up, Shadab said it was a proud moment to once again represent Pakistan. He praised his stint with Sydney Thunder, describing the experience as “fantastic,” and said he was eager to rejoin the side later in the tournament. “I’m honoured to be selected for Pakistan and grateful for the support from Sydney Thunder,” Shadab said. “I’m really looking forward to coming back towards the end of the season and helping the team push for a place in the final.” Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said representing one’s country is always special and expressed delight at Shadab earning another opportunity at international level. He wished the all-rounder success in the upcoming series and confirmed that the franchise would be ready to welcome him back for the crucial phase of the BBL campaign. Meanwhile, Thunder also revealed that discussions are at an advanced stage to secure a replacement overseas player during Shadab Khan’s absence.
