Babar Azam and Steve Smith to Team Up for Sydney Sixers in BBL 15

Former Australia T20I captain Aaron Finch has voiced his enthusiasm regarding the potential partnership of Pakistani batting star Babar Azam and Australian legend Steve Smith for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 15.

Earlier in the month, the Sydney Sixers officially announced the acquisition of Babar as their primary international player for BBL 15.

With the Pakistan skipper anticipated to participate throughout the entire season, there is a high probability that he will share the field with Steve Smith, subsequent to the NRMA Insurance Test series’ conclusion, expected by January 8.

Finch shared his views on The Surge: Big Bash Podcast alongside host Adam White, describing the prospect of Babar and Smith playing together as “extraordinary.”

Finch’s Statements
  • “How extraordinary. Steve Smith, whenever he’s played in the Big Bash, he’s looked a class above everybody else.”
  • “Then you incorporate probably the most graceful batter globally, Babar Azam… I’m confident they’re equally excited about it as fans are.”

While they’ve competed against each other in international cricket across various formats, BBL|15 could represent their inaugural experience as teammates, wearing the Sydney Sixers’ colors.

Finch suggests that such opportunities can revive motivation, even for seasoned athletes.

“Steve hasn’t collaborated with Babar previously anywhere worldwide, so seizing that chance, those (are the) kind of elements that sustain you towards your career’s end.

“I’m not implying Steve Smith is nearing his end, but as you progress, and having achieved almost every goal, you derive pleasure from minor aspects like that.”

When questioned if Smith would aim to outperform Babar should they bat together, Finch responded affirmatively.

“Absolutely. He strives to outscore anyone,” Finch stated.

Smith significantly impacted last season’s BBL, amassing 173 runs in three games, highlighted by an undefeated 121 off just 64 deliveries against the Perth Scorchers at the SCG.

Although Smith hasn’t participated in a T20I since February 2023, Finch believes his drive for excellence remains unwavering.

“He’s articulated clearly his ambition to compete in the Olympics in 2028 and contribute to that team,” Finch noted.

“We’ve observed in domestic cricket wherever he competes globally, he excels significantly.

“We’ve witnessed him at his peak in international cricket, also being exceptional, so it’s not that he needs to validate himself because he’s secured a (T20) World Cup, he’s been (at the) pinnacle.

“I believe it’s simply for his personal fulfillment. He aspires to be the premier player globally, which has contributed to his enduring greatness.”