Fact Check: Did Babar Azam recite Holy Quran in Sydney Sixers dressing room?

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has begun his first Big Bash League season with a steady contribution for the Sydney Sixers, adding balance to the team’s batting order.

In five matches of the 2025–26 tournament so far, he has scored 129 runs at an average of 32.25, striking at 117.27.

The right-hander also addressed questions around his T20 strike rate with a match-winning knock against the Melbourne Renegades on New Year’s Day.

Babar remained unbeaten on 58 from 46 balls, steering the Sixers to a six-wicket victory while anchoring the run chase.

A photograph started circulating on social media showing Babar reciting the Holy Quran inside the Sixers’ dressing room, with Australian players Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith present. The picture has been flagged as AI-generated.

Nibraz Ramzan in an X post said: "Babar Azam illuminates the Sydney Sixers dressing room with a powerful recitation of the Holy Quran—faith placed above all, uncompromised and unfiltered."

"In the background, Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith watch in quiet respect, capturing a moment where cricket meets deep belief, and class meets unwavering character."

Tweet by Nibraz Ramzan

However, there is no verified report confirming the veracity of the picture taken during the ongoing BBL.

Moreover, Smith and Starc have not featured in the tournament yet due to their commitments in the Ashes series.