Babar Azam’s move to the Sydney Sixers already sent ripples through the Big Bash League when his signing was confirmed last week, but there could be more fireworks to come.
The latest whispers in the franchise cricket circuit suggest that the Pakistan batting maestro is not just coming in as a marquee player but is also in strong contention to lead the franchise in BBL 15, marking a potential shift in leadership for one of the league’s most successful sides.
While no official announcement has been made, the rumor mill has hinted that Babar is being seriously considered for the captaincy role in place of Moises Henriques, who currently leads the team.
Babar Azam is no stranger to captaincy, having led Pakistan in all formats until 2023, with mixed results throughout. He led Pakistan to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2021, final of 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, while Pakistan were knocked out in the group stages of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they lost to the USA.
He has plenty of leadership experience in franchise cricket as well, having led the Karachi Kings and now leading Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, Babar did refuse to captain Colombo Strikers in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as he wanted to play cricket as only a player.
Though the Sydney Sixers have traditionally leaned on domestic leadership with Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, and most recently Moises Henriques leading the team, the franchise is believed to be exploring a fresh direction this season.
Sydney Sixers GM Rachael Haynes was all praise for Babar’s leadership upon his signing with the franchise.
“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.”
With Henriques nearing the twilight of his playing career and likely to manage his workload more carefully, Babar could step in as a marquee leader, especially in a tournament where global stars are expected to carry a larger share of responsibility amid overlapping international calendars.
Should the Sixers hand Babar the captaincy, it would mark a first for the BBL, a Pakistani cricketer not only featuring prominently but also leading a side. In the backdrop of evolving Australia-Pakistan cricket ties and a more open approach to international talent, this could be a watershed moment.
Whether Babar Azam dons the captain’s armband or not, his presence alone ensures that BBL 15 is already a headline-grabber.
Ab sab offend ho jayein gy sab ko aagh lagy gi jab Babar captain bane ga or trophy bhi uthaye ga In Sha Allah 🥂🎀