Big Bash coup as Pakistan superstar Babar Azam agrees to maiden tournament in Australia

Babar Azam will join the Sydney Sixers this summer as one of the biggest signings in Big Bash League history.

Generally regarded among the greatest batters of modern times, the Pakistani right-hander will be available for the entirety of his first BBL summer.

Azam has signed with the Sixers under BBL rules that permit each side to sign one international player before the overseas draft is held on June 19.

The 30-year-old joins the likes of Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis in the pantheon of great international batters to have taken part in the BBL.

'We are absolutely delighted to welcome Babar to the Sixers this summer,' said Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes.'He is a world-class player and a proven leader. He's not only a huge addition to our club, but to the league as a whole.'

Azam's inclusion comes after his standing in the Pakistani white-ball set-up has waned in recent times, with the veteran dropped from the T20I team last year and yet to regain his place.

Still, no one has scored more Twenty20 International half-centuries than Azam's 39, and he has also played more T20Is for Pakistan -128 - than any other man.

Azam remains the fastest man to reach 5000 one-day international runs, achieving the feat in 97 innings, and was the fastest to 2500 T20I runs in 62 knocks.

He captained Pakistan in all three formats between 2019 and 2024, notably leading the side to the 2022 T20 World Cup final.

Azam is also a mainstay of the international white-ball circuit with stints in Pakistan, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

'I'm very proud to be joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season,' Azam said.'It's an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world's best T20 leagues and to be a part of such a successful and respected franchise.'

His signing comes after fellow Pakistan superstar Shaheen Afridi confirmed this week he would nominate for the BBL draft.