Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has exited the Sydney Sixers squad ahead of the Big Bash League Challenger match against Hobart Hurricanes.

The Sixers confirmed his departure barely 24 hours before the high-stakes game at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The winner of the match will play Perth Scorchers in the BBL final.

Babar was signed as a direct overseas player and was expected to stay for the full BBL season. Since he was not included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming home series against Australia, many believed he would complete the tournament.

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However, the club said it was informed that Babar had been asked to return immediately to Pakistan to join the national training camp for upcoming international assignments.

In a statement, the Sixers said Babar would not be available for the rest of the BBL Finals Series due to his national duty.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the team respected Babar’s commitment to Pakistan, even though his early exit was not part of the original plan.

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Babar’s first BBL season fell short of expectations. He scored 202 runs in 11 innings, struggling to find rhythm in Australian conditions and the fast pace of the league.

His departure leaves the Sixers without their key overseas player at a crucial moment, while Pakistan welcomes back one of their most important batters ahead of a busy schedule.