There has been a lot of expectation from the former Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, who was signed by the Sydney Sixers for his maiden season of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26. The anticipation was to see the right-handed batter going berserk at the bowlers with his exceptional skills with the bat. But things have not gone as planned for the Sixers.

In the opening clash of the tournament, Babar fell for just two runs in five deliveries at the Optus Stadium in Perth as he was bounced out to the short ball and couldn’t keep the ball in the ground. The Sixers reached their home, the Sydney Cricket Ground, where they faced the Adelaide Strikers in their second fixture.

See Also: “Trust me…”- Abhishek Sharma reacts to Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill’s struggle in recent T20Is

Babar started well with a boundary flicked on the leg side against the left-arm pacer, Luke Wood, who was a little bit on the legs of the batter, looking to swing the ball away. But he tried the same shot again, and it was more aerial from the previous one, only to find the fielder, Matthew Short, to be dismissed on nine runs in 10 balls.

Babar Azam dismissed for 9 in BBL 2025/26 vs Adelaide Strikers

That was another poor innings from the right-handed opening batter as the anxiety grew for the Babar fans to see him coming back in form. His partner at the top, Daniel Hughes, also returned with a low score of 11 runs at run-a-ball, while the number three batter, Josh Phillippe, cracked 46 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of 164.29.

Watch the video here: 

Luke Wood gets the BIG wicket of Babar Azam!

The No.2 pick in the #BBL15 Draft has his first breakthrough for the Adelaide Strikers. pic.twitter.com/9eAmehbj38

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 17, 2025

In the middle order of the Sixers, Jack Wadwards smashed a fine knock of 32 runs in 21 balls with the help of three boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 152.38, which helped the home side to finish on 159/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Wood was the peak of the bowlers with figures of 3/26 in four overs at an economy rate of 6.50. Jamie Overton ended up with 2/22 in four overs at an economy rate of 5.50. Lloyd Pope also got two wickets.

The 2025–26 Big Bash League began with huge expectations around Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, but the much-hyped debuts of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi ended in disappointment, triggering mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.

Babar Azam’s BBL journey started under the spotlight on December 14, when he turned out for the Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. Rain reduced the contest to an 11-overs-a-side affair, putting immediate pressure on batters to adapt. Opening the innings, Babar looked uncomfortable against the extra bounce and pace on offer. He managed just 2 runs from 5 balls before edging a delivery from debutant Brody Couch and being caught at mid-on. The early dismissal was a stark contrast to the excitement around his signing, with the Sixers even unveiling a special “Babaristan” fan zone to welcome their marquee recruit.

Challenging Australian conditions test Rizwan and Shaheen on debut

The following day, December 15, saw Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi make their debuts in the clash between Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Rizwan, batting at No. 3 for the Renegades, attempted to play more aggressively than usual but failed to find rhythm. He struggled for timing and scored only 4 runs off 10 deliveries before falling to spinner Paddy Dooley. Despite his lack of contribution, the Renegades piled up a massive 212/5, courtesy of a blistering century from Tim Seifert.

Shaheen Afridi’s outing with the ball was arguably the toughest. Drafted as Brisbane Heat’s No. 1 pick, the left-arm pacer began well but quickly lost control in the death overs. He bowled two dangerous waist-high beamers in the 18th over and was subsequently taken out of the attack. Shaheen ended with figures of 0/43 in just 2.4 overs, conceding runs through no-balls and wides as the batters went after him.

ALSO SEE: Star former RCB all-rounder set to replace injured Axar Patel in ongoing IND vs SA T20I series

These early struggles highlight how challenging Australian conditions can be, especially for players adjusting to bounce, pace and franchise pressure. While social media labelled it a “horrible start” for the Pakistan trio, many also called for patience. With the season just beginning, the spotlight now shifts to how quickly Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can respond and turn promise into performance.

Twitter reacts as Pakistan stars endure nightmare BBL debuts

🚨INAUSPICIOUS START🚨

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan made their BBL debuts over the last couple of days.

Babar - 2 (5)
Rizwan - 4 (10)
Shaheen - 0 (3) and 0/43 in 2.4 overs

😶😶#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/OeAwUPnXH3

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 15, 2025

Pakistani Premium players on BBL debut.

Ling Boobzy - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Actor Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Polio Bowler - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

And they want to win World Cup 2026😭🙏 pic.twitter.com/suCOprg1hh

— Haydos🛡️ (@GovindIstOdraza) December 15, 2025

The Trio of Pakistan Looks off Color in BBL15 Opening Matches

Sixers, Babar 2 (5)
Renegades, Rizwan 4 (10)
Strikers, Shaheen 0-43

All three have a potential to Comeback stronger#BBL15 #shaheenafridi #rizwan #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/mBGnOZvJ43

— Usman Khan (@usmann_khann) December 15, 2025

Pakistan’s premium pacer Shaheen Afridi on his BBL Debut 😬 pic.twitter.com/6d7aNp87Ck

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 15, 2025

𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧!

After Babar Azam failed in his debut match of the BBL, Another two big stars of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, also failed in their debut BBL game.#BBL15 | #Cricket | #GreenTeam | #OurGameOurPassion | #KhelKaJunoon pic.twitter.com/9MopwvJqsL

— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992) December 15, 2025

Pakistan superstars on BBL debut.

Babar Azam - 2 runs off 5 balls.
Muhammad Rizwan - 4 runs off 10 balls.
Shaheen Afridi - 43 runs in 2.4 overs.

Yrrr plzzz ab aglay matches main apni aur pakistan ki ezat bacha lena...#BabarAzam𓃵 #mrizwan #shaheenafridi pic.twitter.com/FlBRt4orrx

— Saadi (@Saadi_910) December 15, 2025

Three Pakistan stars struggle to shine on their BBL debut #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/wnDWcGG9kb

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) December 15, 2025

When the Sydney Sixers pulled off a massive signing of Babar Azam, the former Pakistan captain across formats, it was expected to be one of the most exciting signings for the Sydney Sixers ahead of the 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL). Since he arrived in Australia, the expectation has been sky high for the right-handed batter to show his skills with the bat.

On the curtain raiser of the event, the Sixers faced the Perth Scorchers in the away clash at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The poor weather delayed the start of the proceedings, which saw the game converted into an 11-over per side contest. The Sixers were put into bat first as the Scorchers won the toss and decided to use the ball first as Babar Azam walked as the opening batter. 

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Sydney lost their left-handed opening batter, Daniel Hughes, on the third ball of the innings as the eyes shifted to the other opener to bail him out of the trouble. His first ball was hit back to the pacer for no run before a replica of a shot took place. 

Babar Azam returns for 2 in BBL 2025/26 debut

Babar was nearly dismissed on the third ball of the stay when he was surprised by the bounce of the ball from Joel Parris. The Pakistan batter was late on the pull, with the ball ballooning in the air before falling short of the fielder. He finally opened his account on the fifth ball when he went aerial and came back for a couple.

Watch the video here: 

Babar Azam vs Cricket

stoppable on all days🥶 pic.twitter.com/K88vf76yqC

— ħ (@shaheenhive) December 14, 2025

But on the very next delivery, the batter was dismissed as his straight pull shot was caught inside the ring by Laurie Evans. Jack Edward’s unbeaten knock of 46 runs in 21 balls helped the Sydney side to post 113/5 in their 11 overs.

Perth completed the chase in the last over with five wickets in hand as Cooper Connolly smashed a fine knock of 59 runs in 31 balls at a strike rate of 190.32 with the help of three boundaries and five sixes. Babar will next appear at the Sydney Cricket Ground on December 17 against the Adelaide Strikers.

The 2025/26 season of the Big Bash League (BBL) featured a strong and long list of Pakistan players who were picked by various franchises in the draft. Three of the seven players collected platinum category selections in the opening round. It began with the Brisbane Heat selecting the left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, as their first pick.

It added a different firepower to the Heat’s team as they will have four secure over which can be used in the powerplay, middle, or the death overs. Melbourne Stars retained their premier pacer, Harris Rauf, through the retention mode after he was picked by Adelaide Strikers.

See Also: Know full schedule, squads, and live streaming of ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025

Meanwhile, the former ODI captain and the wicket-keeper batter of the Pakistan side, Mohammad Rizwan, was drafted by Melbourne Renegades- this marks his debut in the league. Later, the rounds saw more Pakistan talents getting picked by their franchises.

List of Pakistan players picked in upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26

Babar Azam will turn up for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL 2025/26. If schedule works out as anticipated, then he could end up opening the batting for the Pink side along with Steve Smith, who may play a few games after the end of the ongoing Ashes 2025/26. Smith was in excellent touch with the bat in the last edition.

The leg spin all-rounder of the side, Shadab Khan, was picked by the Sydney Thunder. He was expected to share the same dressing room with the former spin all-rounder of India, Ravichandran Ashwin, who, however, was later ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

The pace bowling all-rounder, Hasan Ali, will move to Adelaide for the upcoming event, while Hassan Khan will be partnering Rizwan for the Melbourne Renegades side. The event will begin on December 14 between the Sixers and Perth Scorchers at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

List of Pakistan players and their teams in BBL 2025/26

Cricket is the most-watched sport in Pakistan, and many matches were among the most searched on Google in the country in 2025. However, the most searched athlete in Pakistan was not a Pakistani player. An Indian cricketer topped the list. Surprisingly, Virat Kohli did not feature among the most searched athletes, even with his huge fan following in Pakistan. Abhishek Sharma topped the list, followed by Hassan Nawaz, Irfan Khan, and Sahibzada Farhan.

Abhishek shocked Pakistan with his strong batting as India and Pakistan played three matches in just 15 days during the Asia Cup. He attacked Pakistan’s bowlers from the start, including their top bowler Shaheen Afridi, and scored many runs in the powerplay.

The left-handed batter scored 31 runs off 13 balls in the league match and then played a fine knock of 74 runs off 39 balls in the Super Four match. However, in the final, he scored only five runs. Tilak Varma then starred for India as they beat Pakistan to win the trophy.

Also Read -Baroda's Amit Pasi equals Pakistan Batters' world record after 10 years in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Most Searched Athletes in Pakistan in 2025

Abhishek Sharma topped the list of the most searched athletes in Pakistan in 2025. The other players on the list were Hassan Nawaz, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Muhammad Abbas.

Abhishek Sharma Also Among Top Searches in India

In India, Abhishek Sharma was the third most searched athlete on Google in 2025. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya took the top two spots because of their strong performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Interestingly, matches between India and Pakistan did not feature among the top trends in either country. In India, the India vs England series was the most searched. In Pakistan, fans showed the most interest in Pakistan vs South Africa matches.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set for its most revolutionary season, and cricket lovers cannot wait to see what’s in store. A very important meeting set for December 10 might change the way teams create their rosters for PSL 11 in 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is about to choose whether it wants to retain the traditional draft system or move to an entirely new auction model, which has already stirred up a lot of arguments among the supporters, franchises, and analysts.

Over the last ten years, the PSL has been very successful with the draft format. The franchises are allowed to choose their players in a serpentine order, thus balancing the international stars with the local talent. This approach has made the competition very equal, which is why even the less star-studded teams, such as Islamabad United, have defeated the big ones and won titles. The drafts have brought Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Saim Ayub, who is an emerging talent, and the league has become a very unpredictable and exciting place. On the other hand, the talk of change has been getting louder. An auction similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) would involve franchises fighting it out for the players, thus potentially increasing their salaries and luring them from other leagues. The argument is that the PSL would then attract the same commercial values as the IPL, which in turn would be the creation of a billion-dollar ecosystem, witnessed through the case of stars like Mitchell Starc getting record amounts in the auctions.

A Landmark Expansion and New Financial Realities

The situation is very critical. PSL 11 will see a big change; the number of teams will increase from six to eight, and the new teams are going to be decided through auctions on January 6, 2026. The cities that are under consideration, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit, are going to be the source of not only a larger but also a more passionate fanbase. The five original franchises, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators, have entered into a contract with the PCB according to which they will have to pay a fixed annual fee under a new financial 

ALSO SEE: Watch: Rishabh Pant gives Rohit Sharma his pupil hair to ask wish during IND vs SA 2nd ODI

The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has always been a supporter of progressive ideas, and he made this clear by declaring the increased prize money: $500,000 to the first place, $300,000 to the second place, and $200,000 for development contributions. Still, the controversy over draft versus auction continues to be a matter of polarization. The recent Zoom meeting held with the stakeholders on November 4 led to very different opinions about player acquisition methods, with some franchises being concerned about auctions raising costs without any assurance of returns. "Drafts are the only way to make it fair; auctions create inequality," tweeted the insider from Peshawar Zalmi. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars' camp views auctions as a way to get star players like the unsold IPL superstars, imagine Josh Hazlewood or Jason Holder, who could then play on the grounds of Pakistan.

Social media is stormed with fan reactions that are full of enthusiasm and excitement. "Auction for star power, but don't kill the draft's magic! #PSL2026," wrote one fan, while another replied, "Time to go big like IPL. Drafts are too 2016." According to some reports, the PCB favors auctions as a method for the transition towards global T20 trends, but the franchises' discontent might maintain the current situation. The valuation of the league assets performed by Ernst & Young has empowered the negotiators with evidence, predicting that auctions would increase revenues by 30% over the next ten years (2026–2035).

The preparation for December 10 is on, and the cricket world is looking forward to it very keenly. Will the PSL be transformed into a selling bonanza, attracting the best players in the world, or will it still be a platform with fair and equal conditions? The decision will not only influence the teams but also the international visibility of cricket in Pakistan. One thing is certain: the PSL 11, with its eight-team chaos in new venues, is going to be a record breaker no matter the result of the auction.

The former captain of the Pakistan side, Babar Azam, was seen in a promo video of his interview with the former England batter, Kevin Pietersen, for his YouTube channel. But the social media has gone viral on how Babar was seen speaking in the video. He seemed to be copying the style of English speaking of Virat Kohli.

Babar revealed that he had fulfilled his dream when he entered the field for the national team. He also confirmed that the South Africa wicket-keeper batter and captain, AB de Villiers, would remain his all-time favorite player, besides reflecting on the importance of various practice sessions.

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah to retire from Tests? Ravichandran Ashwin reveals shocking desire for veteran pacer

“People screaming your name, you know, that feeling is different. So, the first time I stepped onto the ground, I said that my dream had come true as a player; now it’s my time. AB de Villiers is my all-time favorite player. And you (Kevin Pietersen) are at sixth or seventh. I just love batting. The more challenging it becomes in the practice, the easier it becomes in the match.” Babar said in the viral video.

Watch: Babar Azam copies Virat Kohli’s English speaking in viral video

In his decade-long career for the Pakistan side, Babar Azam remains the fifth leading run-getter of the national side. The right-handed batter has smashed 15259 runs in 377 innings at an average of 45.41 and a strike rate of 80.78 with the help of 32 centuries and 105 half-centuries at the best score of 196.

He is literally trying to speak like virat Kohli😭 bro's whole life is a Copypic.twitter.com/T98N55xyyB

— SheR•ALI (@Sher__Ali) November 28, 2025

“I am also a human being. Whenever we play, the most important thing is to stay focused. The good time is very short, and the aim is to win a trophy. And that’s why I am working hard. Staying young. It means a lot.” Babar explained in the video.

The veteran batter is back in the T20I side of the Pakistan team and is likely to feature in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, where he will aim to collect truckloads of runs for the team's success in the ICC tournament.

Pakistan’s former T20I captain, Babar Azam, didn’t enjoy his outing against the Sri Lanka side in the last group-stage clash of the Tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It was a huge chase for the Green Brigade, who were unbeaten till that point in the competition and had already qualified for the final. 

The Pakistan batter came into the crease on the fifth ball of the fourth ball and pushed the fullish delivery from Dushmantha Chameera to the mid-off region. But he was trapped on his second delivery against the lanky pacer as the back of a length delivery stayed low and caught the right-handed batter in the crease.

See Also: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure Grace Harris during WPL 2026 mega auction

Babar couldn’t bring his bat down in time and was pinned right in front of the stumps as the umpire raised his finger. He decided to have a chat with his partner, Saim Ayub, and rightfully went against it and returned for his second-ball duck. He now joins Ayub and Umar Akmal to score the most T20I ducks (10) for Pakistan.

Watch: Babar Azam records his 10th T20I duck during PAK vs SL T20I

In the first innings, Sri Lanka used the conditions pretty well and ended with a fabulous score on the board. Their opening batter, Kamil Mishra, nailed a fine knock of 76 runs in 48 balls with the help of six boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 158.33, while their wicket-keeper batter, Kusal Mendis, smashed 40 runs in 23 balls.

Babar Azam 0(2) vs Sri Lanka

He now has 4 ducks in his last 9 T20I innings, joint-most for Pakistan (10) pic.twitter.com/N2d6GD847e

— Kh4N PCT (@Kh4N_PCT) November 27, 2025

Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 24 runs at a strike rate of 100 to cross the 180-run mark for the Pakistan side. Abra Ahmed was excellent with his figures of 2/28, while Salman Mirza ended with 1/29 in his four overs.

In the chase, Pakistan lost their four wickets inside the powerplay. Chameera breathed fire with magical figures of 3/3 in his two overs as Pakistan lost three of their top five batters with single-digit scores and were restricted to 47/4 in seven overs. A win for Sri Lanka would qualify them for the final.

Pakistani star batter Babar Azam has been punished by the ICC for breaking the code of conduct during the third ODI against Sri Lanka. He has been fined 10% of his match fee after being found guilty of a Level 1 offence.

According to the ICC, the 31-year-old violated Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Support Staff. This rule deals with the “abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, ground equipment, or any fixtures and fittings during an international match.”

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Demerit Point Added to Babar’s Record

One demerit point has been added to Babar Azam’s disciplinary record. This is his first offence in the last 24 months.

The incident happened during the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday (November 16). The former captain was out for 34 off 52 balls. As he walked back, he showed his frustration by hitting the stumps with his bat.

Babar accepted the charge and agreed to the penalty given by match referee Ali Naqvi. Because of this, no formal hearing was needed.

Pakistan’s batting stalwart has been fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.

Details 👇https://t.co/y7lRO0ZhRz

— ICC (@ICC) November 18, 2025

ICC Rules and Penalties

The ICC said that Level 1 breaches can lead to a warning, a fine of up to 50% of the match fee, and one or two demerit points.

If a player gets four or more demerit points in 24 months, they turn into suspension points. Two suspension points mean a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first. Demerit points stay on a player’s record for 24 months and are removed after that period.

Babar had also ended his century drought in the second ODI. He scored an unbeaten 102 while chasing 289 runs and won the Player of the Match award.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the third match of the one-day series, which will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Sunday. In the previous match, Pakistan's Babar Azam was the top batsman and scored his 20th ODI century with eight boundaries. He was well supported by opener Fakhar Zaman, who scored a fluent 78 runs off 93 balls with the help of eight fours and one six. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka was completely outclassed by Pakistan in all three departments. Captain Charith Asalanka will be hoping to produce their best cricket and earn a consolation victory in this dead rubber.

Also Read: IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 Prediction Playing XI: 2nd ODI, South Africa A Tour of India, 2025 Fantasy Cricket Tips, Team, and Pitch Report

PAK vs SL Match Details

• Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI

• Date: 16th November 2025

• Time: 3.00 PM IST

• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

PAK vs SL Weather Report

Pitch Report

The average first-inning score at the venue in one-day internationals is around 270 runs.

Top Batters to Watch – PAK vs SL

• Babar Azam (PAK): 131 runs in this Series 

• Fakhar Zaman (PAK): 110 runs in this Series 

• Salman Agha (PAK): 105 runs in this Series 

Top Bowlers to Watch – PAK vs SL

• Haris Rauf (PAK): 7 wickets in this Series 

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 3 wickets in this Series 

• Abrar Ahmed (PAK): 3 wickets in this Series 

PAK vs SL Recent Form

PAK vs SL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SL Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 270- 280

• Match Result: PAK to win

Scenario 2: If PAK Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 55–60

• Predicted Total: 290–310

• Match Result: PAK to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

PAK vs SL Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Layenge, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasranaga, Pramod Madushan.

Pakistan 

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed

PAK vs SL Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that Pakistan will win the 3rd ODI match. The likes of Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf and Babar Azam will be key players to watch out for.

PAK vs SL Match FAQs