Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh hasn’t minced words, urging the Sydney Sixers to make a ruthless call ahead of their do-or-die BBL clash. His verdict? It’s time for some "tough love", and that means axing superstar Babar Azam.

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The Pakistan batter arrived with huge expectations but has endured a nightmare campaign in the Big Bash League. Babar’s numbers tell a grim story: just 202 runs from 11 innings at a sluggish strike rate of 103.06. With an average of only 22.44, he simply hasn't provided the explosive starts the team needs.

Waugh believes the Sixers can’t afford to carry passengers if they want to lift the trophy. Speaking to Fox Sports, he laid out his brutal assessment.

“I think they need a bit of tough love and a rejig in their batting because, right now, it's almost entirely reliant on Steve Smith,” Waugh said.

He pointed out that with key player Sam Curran gone, the cracks are showing. “Unfortunately, I'm going to have to drop Babar Azam. I know he's world-class, but at the top of the order, he hasn't delivered consistently enough. When you're thinking about winning this tournament, you need your openers firing, and so far, he just hasn't done it.”

Despite Babar’s struggles, the Sixers have had a strong season, finishing second on the ladder thanks largely to Steve Smith’s brilliance. However, after a heavy 48-run loss to the Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier, their path to the final has hit a speed bump.

Waugh suggests shaking things up for the upcoming Challenger against the Hobart Hurricanes on January 23. “For a new opener, you could go with Moises Henriques or bring in either Hughes or Silk. That's the way I'm thinking.”

With their season on the line at the SCG, the Sixers face a massive decision: stick with a world-class name or pick on form to keep their championship hopes alive.