LAHORE – Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has officially joined Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, the Sydney Sixers, ahead of the 2025 season. The star batter was signed in the pre-draft phase for a reported amount of USD 420,000 — over PKR 118.8 million.
Babar Azam, one of the most prominent names in international cricket, is set to make his debut in the BBL this year.
Some other reports suggested that the Sydney Sixers picked Babar Azam in the Platinum category, which carries a base price of approximately PKR 75 million.
According to the reports, this contract makes Babar Azam one of the most expensive players in Big Bash League (BBL) history.
It may be mentioned here that the BBL is set to begin in Australia on December 14, and Babar Azam will be participating in the tournament for the first time.
The move comes at a time when Babar is facing a challenging phase in his career. Owing to a series of underwhelming performances, he has been excluded from the national team — a development that has also impacted his earnings and central contract status with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Nevertheless, Babar’s inclusion has already proven beneficial for the Sydney Sixers off the field. His global fan base has sparked a major rise in the franchise’s social media engagement and visibility, boosting their brand presence ahead of the BBL 2025 season.
Training camp for 15 cricketers to begin in Lahore on Monday
