Sydney Sixers opener Babar Azam has withdrawn from the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) finals to join Pakistan’s national team camp, the franchise confirmed Thursday. The announcement came just over 24 hours before the Sixers’ Challenger final against Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG, with the winner set to face the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final on Sunday. The official statement reads, "The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches." It added, "As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series." Read also: IPL 2026: RCB unwilling to play in Bengaluru, highlights 'grey points' Sixers’ response and context Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes confirmed Babar had initially been expected to play the entire tournament. However, the team supports Babar's decision to quit in the last leg and join Pakistan's camp for the upcoming matches against Australia. Haynes said, “The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia. While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan's national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.” The news follows a minor on-field disagreement earlier in the tournament between Babar and teammate Steven Smith, which Sixers captain Moises Henriques described as a cultural misunderstanding. Henriques said the issue was resolved after discussions with Babar and coach Greg Shipperd. Babar’s BBL performance and replacements Babar completes his first BBL stint with 202 runs from 11 games, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries. In a statement, he expressed gratitude to the Sixers organization and fans: "First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time. Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty. I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot. Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much." Veteran batter Daniel Hughes has been recalled to the Sixers squad for the Challenger, marking his 100th BBL appearance. Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis will also return after missing the Knockout final due to a minor hamstring issue.