Pakistan star batter Babar Azam’s Big Bash League campaign ended prematurely as he was recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures, the Sydney Sixers confirmed on Thursday . His early exit comes amid severe criticism from former Australia cricketer Mark Waugh, who had called for Babar to be dropped from the Sixers’ playing XI after a disappointing season .

Babar’s struggles in BBL 2025-26

Babar endured a miserable BBL season, managing just 202 runs in 11 innings at an underwhelming strike rate of 103 . His struggles on the field were compounded by moments of friction with Sixers teammate and Australia star Steve Smith, including an incident where Smith denied him a single before smashing the BBL’s most expensive over .

The Sydney Sixers posted on their official social media accounts: “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 BBL15 Finals Series” . This means Babar will miss the Sixers’ remaining playoff matches, including Friday’s crucial encounter against Hobart Hurricanes where the winner progresses to the final .

Mark Waugh’s harsh assessment

Before Babar’s departure, Mark Waugh had advised the Sydney Sixers to drop him from the playing XI due to his poor form. “I think a bit of tough love, they need to rejiggle their batting, because at the moment, almost totally relying on Steve Smith. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam,” Waugh said .

He added: “I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world class, but the thing about winning this tournament and so far he just hasn’t done it” . Waugh’s comments highlighted how the Sixers had become overly dependent on Steve Smith’s batting, with Babar failing to provide the consistent support expected from a player of his caliber.

Questions over the recall timing

Pakistan’s next international commitment is a three-match T20I series against Australia starting on January 29, still a week away from Babar’s departure from the BBL . This timing has raised eyebrows, especially when compared to other international players still participating in the tournament.

Several of Australia’s T20I stars like captain Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis are set to rejoin the Australia team only after the conclusion of the entire BBL 2025-26 season but still in time for the first match against Pakistan . New Zealand opener Finn Allen is another player who will complete the BBL campaign before rejoining his national side .

The early recall allows Pakistan to have Babar in the national camp for extended preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, but it also conveniently removes him from the awkward situation of potentially being dropped from the Sixers’ playoff matches due to poor form.