Babar to miss remainder of Sixers' season

Pakistan batter Babar Azam will miss the remainder of Sydney Sixers' Big Bash League play-off campaign, having been called up to a national team camp.

Sixers are due to play Hobart Hurricanes in the challenger match on Friday, with the winner of the fixture going on to play Perth Scorchers in Sunday's final.

Babar has struggled in his maiden BBL campaign, scoring 202 runs in 11 games at an average of 22.44.

The 31-year-old has struck two half-centuries for Sixers, who finished second in the group stage, but scored at a rate of just 103.06.

He was noticeably upset when batting partner Steve Smith turned down a single in a match with Sydney Thunder so that he could face the 'power surge' of two overs in powerplay conditions.

"While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group," said Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes.

"We fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan's national camp means preparations are now under way for upcoming matches."

Pakistan play Australia in three T20s in Lahore, starting on 29 January, prior to February's T20 World Cup.

All of Australia's players still involved in the BBL will remain with their sides until the conclusion of the tournament.