Babar Azam’s BBL Nightmare: Is the Star Batter’s Struggles a Sign of a Bigger Problem?

Babar flops again as BBL nightmare deepens, proving Smith's call spot on

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The Big Bash League (BBL) is supposed to be a festival of cricket, a place where stars shine and fans are treated to explosive entertainment. But for one of the world’s most celebrated batters, Babar Azam, the 2025-26 season has felt more like a recurring nightmare. His latest outing for the Sydney Sixers against the Brisbane Heat on January 18, 2026, was yet another chapter in a story of frustration and underwhelming returns .

While the Sixers managed to pull off a crucial 5-wicket victory to secure their playoff spot , the spotlight remained firmly on their marquee Pakistani signing, whose struggles have become impossible to ignore. Let’s dive deep into what’s going wrong for Babar in the BBL and why it matters.

The Latest Blow to Babar’s BBL Campaign

In the high-stakes match at The Gabba, Babar Azam once again failed to make a significant impact. He departed for a meager score, continuing a trend that has plagued his entire BBL stint. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a pattern that has defined his season. The team’s win provides a temporary shield, but the underlying issue of his personal form remains a glaring concern for the franchise and its fans.

Babar Azam BBL: The Statistical Reality

The numbers don’t lie, and in Babar’s case, they paint a rather grim picture. From his first 8 matches, the Sydney Sixers had hit a league-low 28 sixes, a statistic often attributed to their anchor-heavy approach, with Babar at its core . His individual stats are even more concerning.

Across the season, he has managed just 202 runs from 10 matches, averaging a paltry 25.26 with a strike rate of 104.12 . For a top-order batter in a T20 league designed for rapid scoring, this is well below par. To put it in perspective, his strike rate is significantly lower than what is expected from a player of his caliber in this format. His highest score of the season stands at a modest 58 .

This starkly contrasts with his reputation as one of the finest batters in international cricket. The BBL demands a different kind of aggression, a willingness to take risks early, and so far, Babar has seemed reluctant—or unable—to adapt his game fully to this environment.

The Smith Incident: What Really Happened?

Perhaps the most telling moment of Babar’s BBL struggles came not from a dismissal, but from an on-field interaction with his captain, Steve Smith. During a previous match, a now-infamous incident occurred in the final over. With only three wickets down, Smith, known for his own calculated approach, opted to retain the strike during a crucial phase of the innings .

Reports suggest that Babar was visibly unhappy with the decision, with Smith later revealing, “I don’t think Babar Azam was happy with…” the situation . The moment was symbolic. It highlighted a potential clash in philosophies: Smith’s pragmatic, anchor role versus the need for a more dynamic contribution from his star batter. The fact that Smith felt the need to take on the primary scoring responsibility, even while Babar was at the crease, speaks volumes about the lack of confidence in his partner’s ability to accelerate at that moment.

Why Is This a Problem for the Sixers?

On the surface, the Sixers are in a good position, having booked their playoff berth. However, their success seems to be happening almost in spite of their biggest signing, not because of him. Here’s why Babar’s form is a critical issue:

  • Investment vs. Return: Babar Azam is a premium asset, commanding a significant salary. The team invested in him expecting match-winning performances, not a liability in the middle overs.
  • Team Balance: His slow scoring forces other batters to take on more risk to compensate, which can lead to unnecessary wickets and pressure on the lower order.
  • Playoff Pressure: In high-pressure knockout games, every run counts. A batter who can’t provide quick runs or clear the boundary consistently becomes a major weakness that opponents will ruthlessly target.

For a team with championship aspirations, relying on a star player who is struggling to find his rhythm is a dangerous gamble. The Sixers’ path to the title just got a lot harder if Babar can’t turn his form around quickly.

What Does the Future Hold?

It’s not all doom and gloom. Babar has shown flashes of his class, including a 47 off 39 balls against the Sydney Thunder . This proves he has the skill; the challenge is consistency and adapting his natural game to the BBL’s unique demands. The question now is whether he can use the remaining games and the playoffs as a platform to silence his critics.

For the Sixers, the management will be hoping this is just a temporary blip in an otherwise stellar career. They might need to have a strategic chat with him about his role, perhaps encouraging him to be more proactive from the outset. The team’s success in the business end of the tournament may well depend on it.

Conclusion

Babar Azam’s BBL experience has been a masterclass in how even the greatest talents can struggle to adapt to a new league’s specific pressures. While the Sydney Sixers have found a way to win, his persistent low scores and questionable strike rate remain a significant red flag. The incident with Steve Smith was less a personal spat and more a symptom of a deeper tactical problem. As the playoffs loom, all eyes will be on Babar to see if he can finally live up to his superstar billing and prove his worth to the Sixers faithful. Until then, his BBL nightmare shows no signs of ending.

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