Starc’s BBL Comeback and Babar Azam’s Debut Fire Up Sydney Sixers

After 11 years, Mitchell Starc is finally gearing up for a Big Bash return, and cricket fans can’t stop talking about it. His comeback to the Sydney Sixers is now official but there’s more behind this move than just the headlines. The question that’s been circling: will Test cricket be sacrificed in favor of a flashy T20 era? We might find the answer in his return.

Having stepped away from T20 Internationals, Starc will soon be free from limited-overs commitments once the Ashes finish on January 8. That timing opens the door for a short BBL stint up to three games plus any finals, if his body holds up. But Starc’s priorities are clear. He’s fine with playing T20s, just not at the expense of the red-ball game that still defines him.

He stated that Test cricket must be protected. He’s fine with adjusting windows for BBL, even shortening the tournament, but insists that the Test summer remains sacrosanct. He holds that the prestige and rigour of the five-day format cannot be overshadowed by a T20 format. And those words are being heard loud and clear in boardrooms.

The Sydney Sixers, meanwhile, have assembled one of their most intriguing rosters in recent times. At the top sits Babar Azam, making his maiden appearance in the BBL (Only if the PCB reverses the NOC suspension). Babar’s arrival was always going to draw excitement in Pakistan and beyond. His presence means Starc won’t just be returning to familiar turf, he’ll be doing so alongside a top-tier batsman who carries expectations of his own. Babar Azam’s Sydney Sixers debut is shaping up as one of this season’s must-watch storylines.

For Babar, the BBL is more than just a new setting. His fans and national coach actually want him to use this opportunity to sharpen his T20 game, especially by improving his strike rate and handling clutch situations. He’s got the spotlight now. 

The intrigue is already building among fans. Fans are overwhelmed by Starc’s swing and hostility, meeting Babar’s fluency with pace and rhythm. Two contrasting global icons in one playing XI, it’s rare. Will that partnership change the course of the season? Quite possibly.

Other than Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star players are set to make their marks in BBL 2025. Mohammad Rizwan has been picked by the Melbourne Renegades, marking his BBL debut. Haris Rauf continues with the Melbourne Stars, already shining with 36 wickets in 22 games. Shadab Khan, the energetic all-rounder, will be seen in Sydney Thunder colors. And Hasan Ali, fiery as ever, will bring his brand of energy to Adelaide Strikers after strong performances across leagues like the LPL, BPL, and CPL.

The South Asian flavor is unmistakable. Pakistani players bring flair, unpredictability, and massive fan engagement wherever they go. With Babar at the Sixers and others spread across the league, this BBL feels more global than ever.

Off the field, the timing is deft. Cricket Australia is exploring private investment in the BBL. Having a top bowler like Starc and a skilled batter like Babar makes the team stronger and, as they say in franchise cricket, the “best product”, one that attracts sponsors and generates revenue.

Starc’s return is not just symbolic; it’s a statement. But, if the domestic T20 competitions swell at the expense of Test cricket, critics will pounce. He may only play a handful of games, but they stand to be high-stakes. That one moment when he delivers an old-ball swinger against a power hitter, we’ll all hold our breath. If he shines, it could set the narrative for how Australia balances its formats for years.

Sydney Sixers’ supporters will feel the tension too. The atmosphere in the stadium, the cheers when Starc walks in, the murmur when Babar steadies the innings, it becomes more than cricket. The hype grows with each rumor about which games Starc will take part in. 

At the same time, Starc knows his value is greatest in Tests. He’s built his legacy there, and he’s making sure everyone understands where his heart lies. He may be wearing magenta again, but his eyes remain on the longest format.

Keep watching tapmad to know how this BBL drama unfolds. Will Starc sprint into the BBL and dominate immediately? Will Babar flourish under Australian lights? We don’t know yet, but one thing is clear. It’s a crossroads for the future of cricket.