Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has expressed his excitement about joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League (BBL) 15, marking a major milestone in his T20 career.

In a video message released by the franchise on Friday, the 30-year-old star batter shared his enthusiasm about teaming up with Australian greats Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood.

"Hey guys, super pumped to be joining the Sydney Sixers. Cannot wait to share the dressing room with my favorite batter, Steve Smith, and world-class bowler, Josh Hazlewood," Babar said.

"I have always loved playing in Australia, but making my BBL debut will be something special. So I'm really excited and looking forward to getting over there and meeting my crazy cricket fans," he added.

The right-handed batter also spoke about what the move means to him personally and professionally.

"I'm very proud to be joining the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season," Babar said. "It's an exciting opportunity to play in one of the world's best T20 leagues and to be a part of such a successful and respected franchise.

"I'm looking forward to contributing to the team's success, building a strong connection with the fans, and sharing this experience with my friends, family, and supporters back home in Pakistan."

As per BBL regulations, each team is permitted to sign one international player ahead of the official BBL 15 Draft, scheduled for Thursday, June 19.

The Sixers used this opportunity to secure the services of the Pakistan maestro.

This landmark signing will see Babar make his BBL debut, and he will be available for the entire season, including the finals—offering a significant boost to the Sixers' championship ambitions.

Sydney Sixers squad for BBL 15 to date: Sean Abbott, Babar Azam, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith.

NOCs for Global Super League

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to four players to participate in the upcoming Guyana Global Super league, which will be held from July 10 to 18.

Four Pakistani cricketers — Mohammad Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Saud Shakeel, and Sahibzada Farhan — have been signed by various franchises for the T20 league.

According to the confirmed squads, Saud will represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Nawaz and Farhan have been picked by the Hobart Hurricanes.

Nafay has also received an NOC for the league, although his team has yet to be announced.

So far, the PCB has officially issued NOCs for Nawaz and Nafay, while Saud and Farhan are still awaiting formal clearance from the board.

For the unversed, Sydney Sixers have announced the signing of Pakistan's star batter and former captain Babar Azam for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 15.

Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of the modern era, Babar Azam brings his trademark class, consistency, and experience to the Sixers squad this summer.

With over 10,000 international runs across formats, the 30-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the game's most prolific and dependable performers.

As per BBL regulations, each team is permitted to sign one international player ahead of the official BBL 15 Draft, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 19.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled the first list of overseas players for the BBL 15 Draft, featuring top Pakistani cricketers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan.

Joining the Pakistani quartet in the initial 10-player draft list are England's Sam Curran and Alex Hales, New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, and West Indies' rising pace sensation Shamar Joseph.