Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has indicated he would willingly give up his number 56 jersey to Pakistan star Babar Azam at the Sydney Sixers, citing the Pakistani captain's higher pay grade as reason enough to do so.

 

The comment came during a Big Bash League (BBL) "60 Second Slog" video segment featuring Starc and Australian white-ball captain Mitchell Marsh, where the pair discussed cricket and traded jokes.

 

Both Starc and Babar wear number 56 for their respective international teams, but at the Sixers, Starc currently holds the 56 jersey while Babar wears 056. When Marsh brought up Babar's well-known preference for the number and asked, "What are your thoughts there?"

 

The roast of Mitch Starc, by Mitch Marsh in the #60SecondSlog ⏰ 🤣#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/tH3SIflM1Y

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026

 

"I think he's paid a lot more than I am, so he probably gets it," Starc said.

 

Marsh also asked Starc what swings more: the ball when he bowls or his mood after a poor over.

 

"Younger Starkey, definitely my mood. Nowadays, probably the ball," Starc replied.

 

Marsh also took a playful dig at Starc's status as a number one ticket holder at the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants AFL club alongside wife Alyssa Healy.

 

"What's it like having this status with a club of ten fans?" Marsh asked.

 

Starc fired back quickly saying, "What's it like playing finals? Oh, sorry, you wouldn't know."

 

When asked about Marsh becoming the first "Mitch" to captain an Australian national side, Starc dismissed any notion of wounded ego.

 

"Not one bit. I was so happy for you," Starc said.

 

Starc has recently returned from international duties with Australia to feature for the Sixers in the final stages of the BBL season. The 34-year-old paceman is expected to make his first appearance today against Sydney Thunder.

 

On the other hand, Babar joined the Sydney Sixers for the ongoing season. The former Pakistani captain has accumulated 154 runs in eight matches with two fifties, maintaining a strike rate of 104.05 and an average of 25.66.

 

Babar is also expected to return to Pakistan's national T20 side for the 2026 World Cup next month.