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Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar Azam contract at Sydney Sixers revealed: Pakistan cricket star to earn shocking amount for BBL 15
Former Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has secured one of the highest salaries in Big Bash League (BBL) history after signing with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the upcoming season. Azam's contract is set to exceed the Platinum category base price, marking a significant achievement for the 30-year-old batter. Sources close to the deal confirm that Azam's salary will be nearly PKR 10 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the competition. The Platinum category for BBL overseas players has a base price of around PKR 7.75 crore. This will be Babar Azam's first appearance in the Big Bash League, and the Sixers are excited to have him on board for the 2025 season. Azam, who has accumulated over 10,000 international runs in all formats, brings a wealth of experience to the team. His signing represents a major boost to the Sixers' championship aspirations. The Sixers were allowed to pre-sign one overseas player before the official BBL 15 draft on June 19. The team selected Azam from the Platinum category, offering him a lucrative contract ahead of the draft, which positions him among the elite players of the competition. Babar Azam's career has been defined by consistency and success. He captained Pakistan's national team from 2019 to 2024 and led them to the semi-finals of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 edition. Renowned for his calmness under pressure, Azam is considered one of the finest T20 and ODI batsmen in the world. He has been ranked among the top players in both formats for several years and has been awarded ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2022, in addition to being named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022. With more than 11,000 T20 runs, Babar Azam is no stranger to global leagues, having played in the Pakistan Super League, the Caribbean Premier League, and various English domestic competitions. Sydney Sixers Squad for BBL 15 (so far): Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith. As the BBL season approaches, all eyes will be on the star-studded lineup that the Sydney Sixers have assembled, with Babar Azam playing a central role in their championship chase.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Babar Azam Joins Sydney Sixers Ahead Of Big Bash League Draft
Sydney Sixers have signed former Pakistan captain Babar Azam for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 15 season, marking one of the biggest acquisitions in the league's history. Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of the modern era, Babar is set to bring his signature elegance, consistency, and match-winning prowess to the Sydney Sixers this summer. With over 10,000 international runs across all formats, the stylish right-hander has cemented his place as one of the most prolific and reliable players in world cricket. Under BBL 15 rules, each club is permitted to pre-sign one international player ahead of the Draft, which is scheduled for June 19. A key figure in Pakistan's national team for the past decade, Babar captained his country in all three formats from 2019 to 2024, leading Pakistan to the semi-final of the 2021 ICC World Cup and the final in 2022. Renowned for his calm demeanour and consistency at the crease, Babar has remained a fixture among the world's top-ranked batters in both ODI and T20I formats. He was named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in both 2021 and 2022, and crowned ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2022. A record-breaker in his own right, Azam is the fastest player to reach 5,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 97 innings. With extensive franchise experience in the Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, and English domestic cricket, Azam brings a wealth of T20 knowledge and over 11,000 runs in the format to date. In a major boost for the Big Bash League, the 30-year-old star will make his long-awaited BBL debut with the Sixers and is expected to be available for the entire tournament, including the finals. Speaking about the opportunity to join the Sixers, Babar said, '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.' Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes said the club was thrilled to secure a player of Babar's quality. '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. The Sixers strive to be a destination club on the global stage – from playing at the iconic SCG to delivering world-class match day experiences and signing the top talent from around the world – and securing a player of Babar's calibre only further strengthens that vision. 'We can't wait to welcome Babar into our group later this year and we know our members and fans will be thrilled to see him in Sixers colours.'
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Babar Azam signed by Sydney Sixers ahead of BBL 2025
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam was signed by Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Big Bash League season, marking one of the biggest acquisitions in the league's history. With over 10,000 international runs across all formats, the right-hander has been a central figure in Pakistan, leading his country across the three formats between 2019 and 2024. The 30-year-old has ranked among the world's top batters in the ODI and T20I formats in recent years, was named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and crowned the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year in 2022. With franchise experience across the Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League, and English domestic competitions, Azam brings a wealth of T20 experience and over 11,000 runs in the format to date Pakistan icon and global superstar @babarazam258 will play his first Big Bash season in #BBL15 🇵🇰 — KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) June 13, 2025 As per League rules, each club can sign one international recruit ahead of the BBL 15 Draft, which is set to be held next Thursday, June 19. Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes, said, 'We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar to the Sixers this summer. Babar's resume speaks for itself. 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.' '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 Azam.
