New Delhi: After being reportedly snubbed from Pakistan’s T20 plans, ace batter Babar Azam has signed for the Australian T20 franchise, Sydney Sixers, for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Babar inked a deal with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the 15th season of the popular T20 league.
The Pakistan icon has been signed as a pre-draft player, as the rules allow the teams to bring in one international player before the draft takes place. The BBL 15 draft is scheduled for June 19.
“The Sydney Sixers are thrilled to announce the signing of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam for the upcoming KFC BBL|15 season, marking one of the biggest acquisitions in the league’s history,” announced the Sixers.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar to the Sixers this summer.”
“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,” said Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes.
BBL ideal platform for Babar to make a comeback in national team plans
The announcement comes in the wake of a PTI report suggesting that Babar, along with Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, were not in the future plans for the T20I side of Pakistan. With Pakistan ready to face West Indies and Bangladesh in their upcoming international assignments, the team management is looking to give a chance to the youngsters in the shortest format in international cricket.
Babar was thrilled to join the Sixers ahead of the upcoming season and shared his excitement of getting the chance to play in “one of the world’s best T20 leagues”.
“I’m very proud to be joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season.”
“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,” said Babar following the announcement.
Babar will link up with Australian legend Steve Smith at Sixers.
Babar Azam has been signed up by Sydney Sixers as a pre-draft player ahead of the 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
