Pakistan star player Babar Azam will play in the popular Cricket 26 game ahead of his much-awaited debut in the Big Bash League (BBL).
A video shared by the Sydney Sixers on their official Instagram showed Babar’s appearance in the game with Australian Steve Smith.
In another scene, the Pakistani star’s in-game avatar was seen celebrating a century.
“Babar [and] Smearing does tons at the SCG. You can give it a shot at Cricket 26, out now,” the caption read.
Meanwhile, the BBL’s 15th season fixture list has been released, with 44 matches scheduled from December 14 to January 25, 2026.
Most matches are scheduled for the evening, with breaks only on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The tournament kicks off with a blockbuster clash between two of the league’s most successful franchises – Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers – at Perth Stadium.
Babar will represent the Sixers, adding extra excitement to the season opener.
To celebrate the former Pakistan captain’s maiden BBL stint, the Sixers have launched a special fan zone called “Babaristan”.
The franchise announced on social media: “Introducing Babaristan – A fan zone like no other.
“We are celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan, dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam.”
Fans are encouraged to join the excitement when the Sixers take on the Adelaide Strikers in their opening game on December 17.
Several other Pakistani stars will also feature in the upcoming BBL season.
Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum selection, while Mohammad Rizwan has joined the Melbourne Renegades.
Haris Rauf will represent Melbourne Stars, former Pakistan U19 all-rounder Hassan Khan returns to Renegades, leg-spinner and Pakistan T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan joins Sydney Thunder and pacer Hasan Ali has been picked by Adelaide Strikers.
