The Sydney Sixers have pulled off a major coup ahead of BBL 15, securing the signature of Australian fast bowling legend Mitchell Starc after an 11-year absence from the Big Bash League. The veteran left-armer will join Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam in a star-studded Sixers lineup that positions them as serious title contenders for the upcoming season.
Historic Return After 11-Year Hiatus
Mitchell Starc is set to return to the Big Bash League after an 11-year hiatus, signing with the Sydney Sixers as a supplementary player for BBL 15. The 35-year-old last played in the competition back in 2014, and his return represents one of the most significant signings in recent BBL history.
Starc – Australia’s most successful fast bowler in T20Is with 79 wickets is the first Cricket Australia-contracted player confirmed to a marquee supplementary list spot for BBL 15. His signing demonstrates the Sixers’ ambition to reclaim the BBL championship with a world-class bowling attack.
Post-Ashes Availability Following T20I Retirement
The veteran left-arm quick is expected to join the team after January 8, following the conclusion of the Ashes series where he will spearhead Australia’s pace attack against England. Starc’s recent retirement from T20I cricket means he is no longer required for Australia’s T20 World Cup preparations, making him available for domestic T20 competitions.
Like the last two seasons of the tournament, Starc has been signed as a supplementary player for Sixers. However, with his retirement from T20Is, a gap has opened up in his schedule, allowing him to commit to the BBL during the post-Ashes window.
Starc’s Emotional Return to First Club
Mitchell Starc expressed his excitement about returning to the franchise where his professional T20 career began. “I can’t wait to pull on the Sixers’ fresh magenta shirt again,” said the left-arm quick. “Over the past decade, I’ve stayed close to the club and am thrilled to have the chance to get back on the field this summer.”
“This club is close to my heart, and my goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans,” Starc added, highlighting his emotional connection to the Sydney franchise and championship ambitions.
Star-Studded Sixers Lineup
Aussie cricket fans are excited after Mitchell Starc announced he aims to return to the Sydney Sixers and link up with Steve Smith and Babar Azam, creating one of the most formidable combinations in BBL history. The prospect of Starc’s lethal pace bowling supporting Babar Azam’s elegant batting has generated enormous excitement.
For the Sixers, Starc’s return represents not just the comeback of a local hero but a major reinforcement to a squad already bolstered by Babar Azam’s signing and the presence of Steve Smith. This trio of international superstars positions Sydney as a powerhouse team for BBL 15.
Pakistani Presence Growing in BBL
Pakistan’s presence in the BBL continued to grow. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the first overall pick in the BBL 15 Draft, with Brisbane Heat securing his services, while Babar Azam’s presence at Sydney Sixers represents another major Pakistani star in the competition.
The growing Pakistani contingent in the BBL demonstrates the league’s increasing international appeal and provides valuable exposure for Pakistani cricketers in Australia’s premier domestic T20 competition.
BBL 15 Season Schedule
The BBL 2025-26 season kicks off on December 14 and runs through to January 25, 2026. The Sixers will open their campaign against defending champions Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, though Starc is expected to join later in the season after completing his Ashes commitments.
The match will also feature Pakistan’s batting sensation Babar Azam, making his debut for the Sixers, adding further excitement to the season opener, ensuring massive viewership from both Australian and Pakistani cricket fans.
Strategic Value of Starc’s Experience
Starc brings unparalleled experience and proven T20 success to the Sixers’ bowling attack. His ability to swing the new ball, bowl devastating yorkers at the death, and take wickets in powerplay overs makes him an invaluable asset in the BBL format.
His experience in high-pressure situations, having played in World Cup finals and Ashes series, provides leadership and composure that can prove decisive in close matches during the BBL knockout stages.
Babar Azam’s Batting Anchor Role
With Babar Azam anchoring the batting lineup alongside Steve Smith, the Sixers possess one of the most technically accomplished top orders in BBL history. Babar’s ability to construct innings while maintaining aggressive scoring rates complements the Sixers’ batting strategy perfectly.
The Pakistani captain’s international experience and proven ability to perform in pressure situations makes him an ideal cornerstone for Sydney’s championship ambitions.
Championship Credentials Enhanced
The combination of Starc’s world-class pace bowling and Babar’s elegant batting creates a formidable foundation for championship success. The Sixers’ strategy of combining international superstars with talented local players positions them as serious title contenders.
Sydney’s previous BBL championships demonstrate their organizational excellence and ability to build winning teams. The addition of Starc and Babar strengthens their already impressive roster significantly.
Also read this: South Africa Suffer Major Injury Setback Before Pakistan Tour
Fan Excitement and Global Appeal
The Starc-Babar combination has generated enormous excitement among cricket fans globally. Australian supporters anticipate watching their pace bowling legend in domestic colors again, while Pakistani fans eagerly await Babar’s BBL performances.
This star power ensures the Sixers will be one of the most-watched teams throughout BBL 15, with significant viewership expected from the subcontinent whenever Babar takes the field.
Looking Ahead to BBL 15
As the BBL 15 season approaches, Sydney Sixers emerge as the team to watch with their blockbuster signing of Mitchell Starc alongside existing commitments from Babar Azam and Steve Smith. This combination of global flair and homegrown firepower positions them perfectly for another Big Bash crown.
The prospect of watching Starc bowl to opposition batsmen with Babar marshaling the batting lineup represents must-watch cricket that will define the BBL 15 season and potentially deliver another championship trophy to the passionate Sixers fanbase.