💫 Mitchell Starc Joins Babar Azam’s Sydney Sixers for BBL 15 — A Historic Comeback After 11 Years!
Australia’s premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc has officially announced his return to the Sydney Sixers for Big Bash League Season 15 (BBL 2025–26), marking his first appearance for the club in over a decade.
This sensational comeback has created massive buzz across the cricketing world — not just because Starc is back in magenta, but also because he’ll be teaming up with Pakistan’s Babar Azam, one of the most prolific T20 batters on the planet.
From Starc’s thunderbolts to Babar’s elegant cover drives, the Sydney Sixers now boast one of the most star-studded line-ups in Big Bash history.
⚡ Mitchell Starc’s Return: 11 Years in the Making
When Starc last played for the Sixers in BBL 04 (2014–15), the world of T20 cricket was very different. The Big Bash was still young, and Starc was just beginning his rise to international stardom.
Now, after 11 long seasons, the left-arm express returns as a world champion, a two-time World Cup winner, and one of the deadliest fast bowlers of his generation.
The Sixers announced his signing on social media with a post that immediately went viral:
“After 11 seasons, Mitch Starc is back in magenta 💖”
It’s not just nostalgia — it’s a statement of intent. The Sixers are going all in for BBL 15, and Starc’s comeback might be the final piece in their championship puzzle.
🗣️ Starc Speaks: “The Sixers Are Close to My Heart” ❤️
Starc’s excitement about rejoining his old club was clear in his official statement:
“I can’t wait to pull on the Sixers’ fresh magenta shirt in BBL 15. Over the past decade, I’ve stayed close to the club and am excited to get back on the field this summer. The Sixers are close to my heart, and my goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans.”
This return is particularly emotional for fans who remember BBL 01, when Starc played a vital role in helping the Sixers win the inaugural Big Bash League title.
He later dominated in the 2012 Champions League T20, where Sydney Sixers lifted the trophy, with Starc finishing as the leading wicket-taker.
🏆 BBL 15: Sydney Sixers’ Star-Studded Squad Shines Bright
The Sydney Sixers’ squad for BBL 15 is arguably one of the most exciting lineups ever assembled in franchise cricket.
Let’s take a closer look at the power-packed roster that combines Australian veterans with global T20 icons 👇
| 🏏 Player | 🌍 Role |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam 🇵🇰 | Top-order batter |
| Steve Smith 🇦🇺 | Middle-order anchor |
| Mitchell Starc 🇦🇺 | Fast bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood 🇦🇺 | Pacer |
| Sean Abbott 🇦🇺 | All-rounder |
| Moises Henriques (C) 🇦🇺 | Captain |
| Jordan Silk 🇦🇺 | Finisher |
| Ben Dwarshuis 🇦🇺 | Seamer |
| Hayden Kerr 🇦🇺 | All-rounder |
| Josh Philippe 🇦🇺 | Wicketkeeper-opener |
This squad doesn’t just look strong on paper — it screams balance, firepower, and versatility.
The addition of Babar Azam gives the Sixers world-class stability at the top, while Starc’s return adds intimidation to their bowling attack.
🔥 Babar Azam x Mitchell Starc — The Duo Every BBL Fan Wanted!
The cricket world is buzzing with the Babar Azam–Mitchell Starc duo finally appearing on the same team sheet.
For years, Babar has faced Starc as one of his fiercest opponents in international cricket — now, the two will wear the same magenta jersey.
This partnership is not just symbolic — it’s strategic. Babar’s calm precision with the bat complements Starc’s fiery aggression with the ball.
Expect massive crowds and global streaming numbers as Pakistani fans tune in to watch their captain dominate alongside Australia’s premier fast bowler.
🗓️ BBL 15 Schedule Highlights — The Magenta Storm Begins
The Big Bash League 2025–26 kicks off on December 14, 2025, with a blockbuster opener between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium.
This opening clash is already being dubbed as “The Clash of the Titans”, featuring Starc’s return, Babar’s BBL debut, and the rivalry between two of the league’s most successful franchises.
📅 Sixers Key Fixtures:
- 🆚 Perth Scorchers — Dec 14 (Opening Match)
- 🆚 Melbourne Stars — Dec 22
- 🆚 Brisbane Heat — Dec 28
- 🆚 Sydney Thunder (Derby) — Jan 3
- 🆚 Adelaide Strikers — Jan 15
With every fixture, the excitement will grow — especially once Starc becomes available after the Ashes series, which runs until January 8.
⚙️ Starc’s Availability and BBL Contract Details Explained
Mitchell Starc has signed as a supplementary player for Sydney Sixers.
Each BBL team can sign two supplementary players, usually Cricket Australia–contracted stars with limited availability.
Since Starc’s T20I retirement, his schedule has opened up — making it possible for him to feature in the second half of BBL 15, especially during the finals push in January 2026.
This smart arrangement ensures that even a few Starc appearances can drastically impact team morale and bowling strength.
💣 Stat Flashback: Starc’s BBL Career in Numbers
| 🔢 Matches | 🎯 Wickets | 💥 Best Figures | 📉 Average | ⏱ Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 | 3/17 | 14.85 | 7.92 |
Starc’s strike rate and economy stand out even after a decade — numbers that few modern T20 bowlers can match.
His ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old one makes him lethal in both powerplay and death overs.
🧠 Sixers’ Game Plan: Why Starc’s Return Changes Everything
Sydney Sixers’ general manager Rachael Haynes called Starc’s signing a “game-changer”, and she’s right.
“Mitch’s strike power with both the new and old ball is unmatched. Even when not playing, he’s been a great ambassador for our club.”
Here’s why Starc’s inclusion could tilt the season in Sixers’ favor 👇
1️⃣ Powerplay Domination
Starc’s early overs are pure destruction. His ability to swing the new ball both ways gives Sixers a head-start in every game.
2️⃣ Death Overs Brilliance
Few bowlers in world cricket can nail yorkers like Starc. Expect him to shut down chases and finish games clinically.
3️⃣ Mentorship Factor
For young pacers like Hayden Kerr and Ben Dwarshuis, having Starc around is like attending a live masterclass.
4️⃣ Psychological Edge
Opponents fear Starc’s presence. His inclusion alone changes opposition strategies, forcing them to adapt under pressure.
🌍 Pakistan’s Growing Influence in BBL 15 🇵🇰
Mitchell Starc’s return also coincides with a massive Pakistani wave in the Big Bash League.
Here’s how Pakistan’s stars are lighting up BBL 15:
| Player | Franchise | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Sydney Sixers | Opener |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Brisbane Heat | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Melbourne Renegades | Wicketkeeper |
| Haris Rauf | Melbourne Stars | Pacer |
| Shadab Khan | Sydney Thunder | All-rounder |
| Hasan Ali | Adelaide Strikers | Bowler |
This is the first time in BBL history that six Pakistan players will represent six different franchises — a true global moment for T20 cricket.
The addition of Babar Azam to the Sixers not only boosts their batting power but also expands their fanbase across Asia, especially Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
💬 Fan Reactions Explode on Social Media 🔥
As soon as the Sixers announced Starc’s return, social media exploded with excitement:
📢 “Mitch Starc back in magenta after 11 years? BBL just got real!” — @CricketDownUnder
💖 “Starc, Babar, Smith — the Sixers lineup looks like a dream team!” — @BBLUniverse
😂 “If Starc bowls to Babar in nets, please livestream it!” — @PakAusCricket
The hype is global — from Lahore to Sydney, fans are marking December 14 on their calendars.
🔍 Cricketory Tactical Analysis: What to Expect From Starc in BBL 15
🎯 1. Short, Explosive Spells
Starc will likely bowl 3–4 overs per game, focusing on key moments — powerplays and death overs.
💨 2. Swing-Friendly Venues
Expect him to thrive at SCG and Perth Stadium, where evening dew and coastal breeze favor swing.
🧩 3. Match-Winning Partnerships
The Starc–Hazlewood combo could become the most dangerous new-ball pairing in the league.
🔄 4. Rest-and-Rotate Strategy
Given his workload, the Sixers will manage Starc carefully — ensuring he peaks for knockout games.
🧠 Why This Comeback Matters Beyond BBL
Starc’s decision to rejoin BBL after 11 years isn’t just about domestic cricket. It signals a larger shift in Australian cricket culture — where senior players are once again embracing franchise cricket.
It also brings commercial benefits:
- 🏟 Increased crowd attendance
- 📺 Higher TV ratings
- 💰 Boosted franchise sponsorships
And for fans, it rekindles that nostalgic spark of BBL’s golden era, when Starc’s searing yorkers became part of Big Bash folklore.
📊 Cricketory Stat Tracker: Sydney Sixers’ BBL Legacy
| Season | Titles | Finals Reached | Star Players Over the Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 🏆 Champions | 1 | Starc, Henriques, Haddin |
| 2019–20 | 🏆 Champions | 1 | Smith, Abbott |
| 2020–21 | 🏆 Champions | 1 | Philippe, Christian |
| 2024–25 | Semifinalists | — | Smith, Henriques |
| 2025–26 | TBD | TBD | Babar, Starc, Smith |
The Sixers are already one of the most successful franchises in BBL history, and with the Starc–Babar combo, they might just be unstoppable.
🧩 FAQs — Mitchell Starc’s Sydney Sixers Comeback
1️⃣ When was the last time Mitchell Starc played in the BBL?
A: He last featured in BBL 04 (2014–15) for Sydney Sixers.
2️⃣ Will Starc play the entire BBL 15 season?
A: He’s expected to join after the Ashes, likely from January 8, 2026 onwards.
3️⃣ Who are Sydney Sixers’ key players this season?
A: Babar Azam, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.
4️⃣ What is Babar Azam’s role with the Sixers?
A: He will open the innings, providing stability and fireworks at the top.
5️⃣ How many wickets has Starc taken in the BBL?
A: He has 20 wickets in 10 matches, averaging 14.85.
6️⃣ Where will the opening match be played?
A: At Perth Stadium between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers.
7️⃣ What’s special about Starc’s BBL comeback?
A: It ends an 11-year hiatus, and reunites him with the club that launched his T20 legacy.
🏁 Cricketory Final Verdict 🗣️
Mitchell Starc’s return to the Sydney Sixers isn’t just another signing — it’s a homecoming.
A decade later, one of world cricket’s most feared fast bowlers will once again don the magenta, this time alongside global icons like Babar Azam and Steve Smith.
With Starc’s pace, Babar’s finesse, and Smith’s experience, the Sixers could redefine dominance in BBL 15.
The Big Bash League 2025–26 just got bigger, faster, and infinitely more exciting — and every cricket fan around the world will be watching. 🌍🔥