The Sydney Sixers have confirmed the return of English leg-spinner Jafer Chohan on a one-year deal, alongside an exciting new chapter for the club's South Asian fan community as Babaristan is reborn as Magenta Mela.
British-Pakistani leg-spinner Chohan is back in Magenta for another Big Bash season, continuing his association with the Sixers after impressing across the last two summer campaigns.
The young Yorkshire spinner first caught the world’s attention after dismissing both Joe Root and Ben Duckett as a net bowler during an England training camp at Loughborough.
24-year-old Chohan has fast become a fan-favourite at the SCG for his attacking leg break style, and clear love of playing cricket in Australia.
To celebrate Chohan’s signing, the Sixers are also proud to unveil the Magenta Mela, the reimagined and renamed home of South Asian cricket fandom at the SCG, formerly known as Babaristan.
Last year, following the signing of Pakistani superstar Babar Azam, the club’s South Asian Supporter Bay at the SCG; ‘Babaristan’ sold out at all BBL home games and additional seating was opened to accommodate for the demand.
In recognition of this lasting legacy, the Sixers will continue to foster a sense of belonging for South Asian fans through Magenta Mela.
Magenta Mela will be a permanent supporter bay designed to provide a space to connect, celebrate culture and share their passion for the club.
The initiative reflects the Sixers’ ongoing commitment to creating inclusive match-day experiences where all fans feel welcome, represented and part of the Sixers family.
Mela is a popular Hindi word meaning "fete" across many South Asian cultures, derived from its Sanskrit origin ( मेला) meaning "gathering", "to meet" or a "fair."
Magenta Mela captures exactly what this supporter bay is about: gathering in Magenta and celebrating community, culture, music, food, and the unmistakable energy South Asian fandom brings to our game.
Chohan said he was stoked to return to the Sydney Sixers again this Summer.
"Australia has given me some incredible opportunities, and playing in front of Sixers fans at the SCG is something I genuinely love," said Chohan.
“I can't wait to get back out there with my teammates in December and work with our new Head Coach Matthew Mott.
“After the heartbreak of last year’s final, I’m keen to get back to Sydney and work to bring the cup home to the SCG this Summer.
Located at the SCG for all Sixers BBL home matches, Magenta Mela will be the beating heart of the ground on game day, a dedicated space where fans can celebrate their culture and their cricket side-by-side.
Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said she was pleased to re-sign Chohan and to unveil the bay.
"We're thrilled to welcome Jafer back for another season, and equally excited to launch Magenta Mela for our fans,” Haynes said
“Magenta Mela celebrates the diversity of our fan base and the passion and energy that brings to every game at the SCG.
“Tickets for the Magenta Mela are on sale now, and I encourage our fans get in quick before they sell out. We can't wait to bring everyone together to celebrate this Summer."
Join the Mela
To purchase into the Magenta Mela, select ‘Magenta Mela’ from the seat map in Ticketmaster.
Fans who purchase into the Mela join the Sixers' exclusive South Asian mailing list, unlocking special ticketing opportunities, exclusive stories, and behind-the-scenes access as Magenta Mela comes to life at the SCG this BBL season.
Sydney Sixers KFC BBL|16 List:
Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ollie Davies, Jafer Chohan (o/s), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Chris Jordan, Riley Kingsell, Hayden Kerr, Josh Philippe, Fergus O'Neill, Corey Rocchiccioli, Tim Seifert (o/s), Jake Scott, Lachy Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith.
WBBL and BBL Tickets are available now, via the Sydney Sixers website.
ENDS