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New Delhi: Former Australian batter and cricket expert Mark Waugh believes the Sydney Sixers must drop Babar Azam from the playing XI in the Challenger on Friday if they want to boost their Big Bash League (BBL) title chances.
Babar's maiden BBL season went from bad to worse on Tuesday's Qualifier between the Sixers and the Perth Scorchers as the Pakistan batter was dismissed for a 2-ball duck in an all-important clash at the Optus Stadium, Perth, where the home side registered a dominant 48-run win to reach their ninth final in 15 seasons.
Opening the batting with Australia's Steve Smith in chase of 148, Babar was dismissed in the first over by Australia and Punjab Kings spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly for a duck.
Brought in by the Sixers in the pre-tournament draft last year, Babar has flattered to deceive in the BBL 2025-26 season.
The seasoned Pakistan batter has struggled for form and consistency. He has faced severe criticism for his inability to play an attacking brand of cricket.
In 11 innings, Babar has aggregated only 202 runs at a poor average of 22.44 with two fifties. Babar's dismal strike rate of 103.06 has become a thorn in the Sixers' flesh, and that's the reason why Waugh believes he doesn't merit a place in the playing XI in the Challenger on January 23.
"Unfortunately, I am going to have to drop Babar Azam. I do not think he has done enough at the top of the order. I know he is a world-class player, but Sydney Sixers should be thinking about winning the tournament," Waugh, who is commentating in BBL 2025-26, remarked.
Waugh also spoke on how the Sixers' batting has been overly dependent on Smith. In just four innings, Smith has scored 210 runs with the help of a century and a fifty at a stunning average of 70.00 and a blazing strike rate of 172.13. Sixers' BBL final fate depends on how he fares in the Challenger.
