Sydney, October 23, 2025: The Sydney Sixers have unveiled a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” to celebrate Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam’s maiden appearance in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The franchise announced the initiative on its official social media platforms with the caption: “Introducing Babaristan, A Fan Zone Like No Other.”
“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the Sixers said in their statement.
Fans have been urged to join the festivities when the Sixers face the Adelaide Strikers in their opening BBL fixture on December 17. The franchise also released a promotional video featuring the 31-year-old Babar inviting fans to visit his fan bay during the Sixers’ home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The Babaristan fan bay will be available during the following home matches:
- December 17 – vs Adelaide Strikers
- December 26 – vs Melbourne Stars
- January 5, 2026 – vs Brisbane Heat
- January 11, 2026 – vs Hobart Hurricanes
- January 16, 2026 – vs Sydney Thunder
The 15th edition of the Big Bash League will feature 44 matches, running from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, with all fixtures scheduled in the early-evening slot.
The tournament will open with a high-voltage clash between two of the league’s most successful teams — Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers — at Perth Stadium, where Babar Azam is set to make his highly anticipated BBL debut.
Meanwhile, several other Pakistani cricketers are also set to light up the upcoming season. Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan has joined the Melbourne Renegades.
Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Hassan Khan rejoins the Renegades, Shadab Khan — Pakistan’s T20I vice-captain — will represent the Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali has been signed by the Adelaide Strikers.
The inclusion of multiple Pakistani players, led by Babar Azam’s debut appearance, is expected to significantly boost viewership and fan engagement for BBL 15.
