Pakistan’s top-order batter and global cricket icon, Babar Azam, is set to make waves in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) as part of his newly inked deal with the Sydney Sixers.
While the official announcement focused on his recruitment as a marquee player, inside sources now suggest that Sydney Sixers Babar Azam might be in line for the captaincy in BBL season 15.
Although the team’s leadership mantle currently rests with Moises Henriques, speculation is mounting that the franchise is considering a transition. With Henriques approaching the latter phase of his cricketing career, the door appears open for Babar Azam to take on a more prominent role — potentially becoming the first Pakistani player to captain a BBL side.
The Sixers’ move to bring Babar Azam into the squad already marked a historic moment. However, this new leadership prospect could be even more groundbreaking.
A seasoned leader, Babar Azam has previously captained Pakistan in all formats, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 edition. His recent captaincy in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Peshawar Zalmi further adds weight to his candidacy.
Despite opting out of a leadership role in the Lanka Premier League earlier, Babar’s credentials as a leader are well-recognized. Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes even praised his leadership qualities during his signing, stating that his experience and skill set make him an invaluable asset not only for the Sixers but for the entire BBL.
The Sydney Sixers Babar Azam partnership could signal a bold shift for the franchise, which has historically leaned on homegrown leadership figures like Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, and Henriques. But with an increasingly global cricket calendar and heightened player workloads, the Sixers may now be open to fresh perspectives — and Babar’s global stature might just be the ideal fit.
As anticipation builds ahead of BBL 15, whether or not Babar steps into the captaincy, one thing is clear: Sydney Sixers Babar Azam will be one of the biggest talking points this season.
