Cricket star Babar Azam signs with Sydney Sixers for Big Bash League tournament
In a significant move for the Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan's star cricketer Babar Azam has signed with the Sydney Sixers. This marks Azam's first entry into the popular T20 competition.
Azam, aged 30, is a key acquisition for the Sydney Sixers. Each franchise is permitted to contract one international player prior to the draft, and the Sixers had been the only men's team without an overseas player secured before Babar's announcement.
Babar Azam, previously the top scorer for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League, brings a wealth of experience to the Sixers. He ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in T20 international history, with a total of 4,223 runs across 128 matches.
The Sydney Sixers had a competitive previous season, finishing second, but faced elimination in the playoffs. The addition of Azam is expected to strengthen their squad significantly.
Other international stars available for selection in the BBL include Amy Jones, Heather Knight, and Sam Curran. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan are also available from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), the Hobart Hurricanes have not pre-signed an overseas player. Laura Wolvaardt, Nadine de Klerk, Hayley Matthews, Marizanne Kapp, Sophie Devine, and Amelia Kerr are pre-signed for the WBBL. Chamari Athapaththu is pre-signed for the Sydney Thunder.
The draft mix for the BBL includes names like Jamie Overton, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, and Sam Billings, who are already contracted to different BBL teams. Jacob Bethell and Ollie Pope are also in the mix and may return to their previous franchises, Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers, respectively.
Speaking about his decision to join the Sydney Sixers, Babar Azam expressed enthusiasm, stating, "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."
With the addition of Babar Azam, the BBL is set to witness some thrilling cricket this season. Stay tuned for more updates on the league's upcoming matches.
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