The Sydney Sixers are an Australian professional men’s cricket franchise competing in the Big Bash League (BBL), representing Eastern Sydney. Founded in 2011, they have won three BBL titles including the inaugural 2011 12 season and back-to-back championships in 2019 20 and 2020 21. The Sixers play their home matches at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and are captained by Moises Henriques, who has led the team to multiple finals appearances.
With eight finals appearances overall, the Sixers are the second-most successful franchise in BBL history behind the Perth Scorchers. The team also operates a women’s side in the WBBL, which has won two championships.
If you follow Australian cricket, you’ve almost certainly heard of the Sydney Sixers. But what makes this magenta-clad franchise one of the most formidable forces in the Big Bash League?
Overview of the Sydney Sixers
- What is the Sydney Sixers?
- League, colours, and home ground
- Franchise ownership
History and Foundation
- Establishment in 2011
- The move from state to city-based teams
- Inaugural season and first title
BBL Title Wins and Finals Record
- Three championship victories
- Runner-up finishes
- Comparison with other BBL teams
Champions League Triumph
- 2012 international club success
Home Ground: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Capacity and significance
- Pitch conditions and atmosphere
Current Squad (2025/26 Season)
- Full player list
- Captain and leadership
- Overseas signings
Coaching Staff and Recent Changes
- Greg Shipperd era
- James Hopes appointment
- Matthew Mott’s subsequent appointment
Key Players and Statistics
- Batting and bowling records
- Notable performers
Women’s Team (WBBL)
- Overview and achievements
- Captaincy transition
Rivalries
- Sydney Thunder derby
- Perth Scorchers finals rivalry
Latest News and Future Outlook
- 2025/26 season performance
- Coaching transitions
- Potential signings
Sydney Sixers BBL Title Wins
| Season | Opponent | Result | |
| 2011–12 (BBL | 01) | Perth Scorchers | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2019–20 (BBL | 09) | Melbourne Stars | Won by 19 runs |
| 2020–21 (BBL | 10) | Perth Scorchers | Won by 27 runs |
Sydney Sixers Finals Appearances
| Season | Result |
| 2011–12 | Winners |
| 2014–15 | Runners-up |
| 2016–17 | Runners-up |
| 2019–20 | Winners |
| 2020–21 | Winners |
| 2021–22 | Runners-up |
| 2023–24 | Runners-up |
| 2025–26 | Runners-up |
Sydney Sixers 2025/26 Key Squad
| Player | Role | Nationality |
| Moises Henriques (c) | All-rounder | Australia |
| Steve Smith | Top-order batter | Australia |
| Babar Azam | Top-order batter | Pakistan |
| Sam Curran | Pace-bowling all-rounder | England |
| Josh Philippe | Wicketkeeper-batter | Australia |
| Sean Abbott | Pace-bowling all-rounder | Australia |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Left-arm pace | Australia |
| Jordan Silk | Middle-order batter | Australia |
History and Foundation
The Sydney Sixers were established in July 2011 when Cricket Australia decided to transition from state-based representative teams to city-based franchises for the domestic Twenty20 competition. This structural change aligned Australia with India and South Africa, where domestic teams were already organised around cities a crucial factor for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.
Cricket New South Wales chose the names “Sixers” and “Thunder” for Sydney’s two franchises, with other considered names including “Rocks” and “Edge”.
The Sixers were given the honour of hosting the very first BBL match on 16 December 2011 at the SCG against the Brisbane Heat. Under inaugural coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Brad Haddin, the team made an immediate impact.
BBL Title Wins and Finals Record
The Sydney Sixers have won the BBL championship three times a feat that makes them the second-most successful franchise in the competition’s history, trailing only the Perth Scorchers.
2011 12 (BBL|01): The Sixers won the inaugural edition, defeating the Perth Scorchers by seven wickets in the final.
2019 20 (BBL|09): After an eight-year wait, the Sixers reclaimed the trophy, beating the Melbourne Stars by 19 runs.
2020 21 (BBL|10): The Sixers became only the second team in BBL history after the Scorchers to successfully defend their title.
In total, the Sixers have appeared in eight BBL finals, with five of those ending in defeat. Four of those losses came against their nemesis, the Perth Scorchers, including the most recent 2025 26 final.
Champions League Triumph
The Sixers’ 2011 12 BBL victory qualified them for the 2012 Champions League Twenty20, where they defeated the Highveld Lions in the final to claim international club honours. This remains a significant achievement in the franchise’s history.
Home Ground Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
The Sydney Sixers play their home matches at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Moore Park. With a capacity of 48,000, the SCG provides one of the most atmospheric settings in Australian cricket.
The pitch at the SCG traditionally offers assistance to both batters and spinners, making it a balanced venue for T20 cricket. The ground has hosted countless memorable BBL moments, including the competition’s very first match in 2011.
Current Squad (2025/26 Season)
The Sydney Sixers’ 2025/26 squad features a blend of Australian internationals and overseas stars:
Captain: Moises Henriques (all-rounder)
Key Australian Players:
- Steve Smith top-order batter
- Sean Abbott pace-bowling all-rounder, vice-captain
- Ben Dwarshuis left-arm pace spearhead
- Josh Philippe wicketkeeper-batter
- Jordan Silk middle-order batter
- Jack Edwards all-rounder
- Todd Murphy off-spin
- Mitchell Starc pace bowler (available post-Ashes)
Overseas Players:
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) pre-draft Platinum signing
- Sam Curran (England) mid-season arrival
- Jafer Chohan (England) leg-spin
Coaching Staff and Recent Changes
Greg Shipperd Era (2015 2026): Shipperd took over from Trevor Bayliss in 2015 and led the Sixers for 11 years. Under his guidance, the franchise qualified for finals in eight consecutive seasons and won back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021. However, Shipperd was stood down in January 2026 with a year remaining on his contract.
James Hopes Appointment: Former Australian all-rounder James Hopes was appointed as head coach on a two-year contract ahead of the 2026 27 season. Hopes played 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is for Australia and had previously served as a bowling coach for Punjab Kings (IPL) and Washington Freedom (MLC), plus assistant roles with Delhi Capitals, Brisbane Heat, and Hobart Hurricanes. The Sixers hoped Hopes would end a six-year title drought.
Matthew Mott Appointment: In a surprise development, Matthew Mott was appointed as head coach on a two-year contract in July 2026, replacing Hopes after just 53 days. Mott, who led Australia’s women’s team to the 2020 T20 World Cup title, will take charge ahead of BBL|16.
Key Players and Statistics
Moises Henriques the current captain since approximately 2022 has amassed over 1,500 BBL runs and demonstrated tactical acumen in multiple finals campaigns.
Steve Smith the Australian Test captain has scored more than 1,200 runs for the Sixers at a strike rate exceeding 140. In the 2025 26 season, Smith hit a brilliant 65 in the Challenger final against Hobart and a century from 42 balls in the Sydney derby.
Sean Abbott a prolific all-rounder has taken over 170 wickets for the franchise, renowned for his death-over bowling.
Babar Azam the Pakistan batting star represented the Sixers in the 2025 26 season, scoring 202 runs in 11 matches, including an unbeaten 58 to guide the team to victory over Melbourne Renegades.
Women’s Team (WBBL)
The Sydney Sixers also field a women’s team in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), launched in 2015. The women’s side has won two WBBL championships consecutive titles in 2016 17 and 2017 18 under captain Ellyse Perry.
Perry, widely considered the franchise’s greatest women’s player, amassed over 4,700 WBBL runs and 72 wickets. In November 2025, Ashleigh Gardner was appointed as the new WBBL captain, signalling a new era focused on youth development.
Following Alyssa Healy’s retirement, the Sixers are prioritising recruitment of a new wicketkeeper for WBBL|12.
Rivalries
Sydney Derby (vs Sydney Thunder): The cross-town rivalry is one of the BBL’s fiercest. The Sixers and Thunder share the Sydney market, and matches between them are high-stakes affairs. In the 2025 26 season, Steve Smith and Babar Azam combined for a 141-run opening partnership to dominate the Thunder.
vs Perth Scorchers: The Sixers’ most significant finals rivalry. The Scorchers have defeated the Sixers in four BBL finals, including the 2025 26 decider. Despite this, the Sixers did defeat the Scorchers in the inaugural 2011 12 final and again in 2020 21.
Latest News and Future Outlook
The 2025 26 season ended in disappointment for the Sixers, losing the final to the Perth Scorchers. However, the franchise remains in a strong position with a talented squad.
Coaching transition: The appointment of Matthew Mott brings fresh leadership. Mott’s international experience and track record of success could prove invaluable.
Potential signings: Reports suggest former England Test captain Ben Stokes is likely to join the Sixers for the 2026 27 season. Stokes’ addition would be a major coup for the franchise.
Title ambitions: With a six-year drought since their last title in 2021, the Sixers are hungry to return to the winner’s circle. The combination of a world-class squad, a new coaching regime, and potential marquee signings makes them strong contenders for BBL|16.
FAQs
1. When were the Sydney Sixers founded?
The Sydney Sixers were established in July 2011 as part of the inaugural Big Bash League season. They were created when Cricket Australia moved from state-based to city-based teams for the domestic Twenty20 competition.
2. How many BBL titles have the Sydney Sixers won?
The Sydney Sixers have won three BBL titles in 2011 12 (the inaugural season), 2019–20, and 2020–21. This makes them the second-most successful franchise in BBL history, behind only the Perth Scorchers.
3. Who is the Sydney Sixers captain?
Moises Henriques is the current captain of the Sydney Sixers. He has led the team since approximately 2022 and has captained the Sixers in multiple finals campaigns.
4. Where do the Sydney Sixers play their home matches?
The Sydney Sixers play their home matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Moore Park. The SCG has a capacity of 48,000 and hosted the very first BBL match in December 2011.
5. Who coaches the Sydney Sixers?
Matthew Mott was appointed as head coach in July 2026 on a two-year contract. He replaced James Hopes, who had been appointed just 53 days earlier. Mott previously led Australia’s women’s team to the 2020 T20 World Cup title.
6. How many BBL finals have the Sydney Sixers appeared in?
The Sydney Sixers have appeared in eight BBL finals. They have won three (2011 12, 2019 20, 2020 21) and finished as runners-up five times in 2014 15, 2016 17, 2021 22, 2023 24, and 2025 26.
7. Who owns the Sydney Sixers?
The Sydney Sixers are owned by Cricket New South Wales. The franchise is not publicly listed and does not have external shareholders.
8. What colours do the Sydney Sixers wear?
The Sydney Sixers wear magenta (pink) playing colours. The team is often referred to as the “men in magenta”.
9. Do the Sydney Sixers have a women’s team?
Yes, the Sydney Sixers field a women’s team in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), launched in 2015. The women’s side has won two WBBL championships in 2016 17 and 2017 18 under Ellyse Perry.
10. Who are the Sydney Sixers’ biggest rivals?
The Sydney Sixers have two main rivals cross-town neighbours Sydney Thunder (the Sydney Derby) and the Perth Scorchers, who have defeated the Sixers in four BBL finals. The Scorchers rivalry is particularly intense given the frequency of finals meetings.
CONCLUSION
The Sydney Sixers have established themselves as one of the pillars of Australian T20 cricket. From winning the inaugural Big Bash League title in 2011 12 to securing back-to-back championships in 2019 20 and 2020 21, the franchise has consistently performed at the highest level.
With eight finals appearances in 15 seasons, the Sixers’ record speaks for itself. The team’s ability to blend Australian internationals like Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Moises Henriques with overseas stars such as Babar Azam and Sam Curran has been key to their sustained success.
The 2025 26 season ended in heartbreak with a finals loss to the Perth Scorchers, but the future remains bright. The appointment of Matthew Mott as head coach signals a new chapter, and potential signings like Ben Stokes could elevate the team further.
For fans and cricket enthusiasts alike, the Sydney Sixers represent everything that makes the Big Bash League exciting high-quality cricket, passionate rivalries, and unforgettable moments at the iconic SCG. The men in magenta will be determined to end their six-year title drought and add a fourth championship to their already impressive trophy cabinet.
