Josh Hazlewood for Sydney Sixers - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Josh Hazlewood has regained full fitness ahead of a busy cricketing season. The right-arm seamer has joined hands with the Sydney Sixers and will play for the Moises Henriques-led side for the remainder of BBL 15.
“We’re excited to welcome back Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood as a supplementary contracted player for KFC BBL|15,” wrote the Sydney Sixers on their social media platform.
What is a supplementary contract in BBL?
In the Big Bash League (BBL), a supplementary contract allows clubs to sign highly sought-after, Cricket Australia (CA)-contracted players who are expected to have limited availability due to national team commitments.
This mechanism was introduced to help BBL clubs secure top Australian talent (such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood) without forcing them to use a valuable spot on their primary 18-man roster or commit to a large salary-cap hit for a player who might not play many games.
Hazlewood to team up with Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith
Hazlewood’s return will boost the Sixers’ squad because the likes of Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith will also join the Sixers squad after the fifth Ashes Test, which is taking place in Sydney only.
Hazlewood has not played in the BBL since 2019. Interestingly, he has never represented any other BBL team than the Sydney Sixers. In his last appearance, Hazlewood featured in just a solitary game. Therefore, it will be a long-awaited return to the BBL for Australia’s premier T20 bowler.
Positive news for RCB ahead of IPL 2026
The news will delight RCB fans as they feared Hazlewood’s participation for IPL 2026. Notably, Hazlewood was ruled out of the Ashes 2025 following a hamstring injury. As he began his recovery, the right-arm seamer was dealt with another blow and injured his Achilles.
Hazlewood has a long history of Achilles injury and many feared that he will take it longer than expected to return. Nonetheless, the first hint at his recovery was after his inclusion in Australia’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
Talking about Hazlewood’s return, the Sixers didn’t mention the exact date of return. Shedding light on Henriques’ team, the Sixers have had a mixed season so far as they are placed fourth on the table with three wins and three defeats.
Also, the primiary reason why RCB fans are happy is because Hazlewood played a key part in ending their IPL trophy drought. The 34-year-old picked up 22 wickets in 12 innings and was RCB's leading wicket-taker that tournament.
