Sydney: Sydney Sixers have awarded Pakistan star batsman Babar Azam a unique jersey number for the Big Bash League 2025-26 from December 14 to January 25.
Babar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, was roped in by the Sixers to sign him directly for the upcoming 15th edition of the PBL.
Given the star batsman’s popularity, the Sixers launched a special fan zone in October titled “Babaristan” to celebrate the 31-year-old’s first stint in the BBL.
Earlier that month, the Sixers added veteran pacer Mitchell Starc, who has led the Australian men’s cricket team’s pace attack since his international debut in 2010.
In international cricket and in franchise leagues around the world, Starc had conflicting jersey numbers as he and Baber were both Don No.56 and his inclusion in the team.
As a result, the Sixers assigned the three-digit number “056” to Baber, while Starc will wear his usual jersey number (56).
The Sixers made the announcement by sharing a video of the unveiling of the Bobber jersey on their social media handles.
The owner also shared photos of the former Pakistan captain wearing the kit with a special number.
Baber is expected to make his much-anticipated BBL debut on December 14 as the Sydney Sixers take on the Perth Scorchers in the curtain raiser.
Meanwhile, many Pakistani stars will also feature in the upcoming season. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was picked up by the Brisbane Heat as their first overseas and platinum pick, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.
Right-arm pacer Haris Rauf has been retained by Melbourne Stars, former Pakistan U19 all-rounder Hasan Khan will return to the Renegades, leg-spinner and current Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has been signed by Sydney Thunder and pacer Hasan Ali has been snapped up by Strike Adelaide.
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