Sydney Sixers have appointed Ashleigh Gardner as their new captain for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2025 season, ending Ellyse Perry’s leadership tenure. Perry, who led the team since the league’s inception in 2015-16, guided the Sixers to consecutive titles in the second and third seasons, establishing herself as one of the most successful captains in WBBL history.
Despite Perry’s impressive leadership, the Sixers have faced inconsistency in recent years, missing the finals in five out of the last six seasons. During Perry’s captaincy, the team secured 76 wins in 134 matches. Perry’s individual performance was remarkable, accumulating 4,689 runs at an average of 48.84, including two centuries and 32 half-centuries, in addition to claiming 70 wickets with a best figure of five-for.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Gardner, who briefly captained the Sixers in a 2023 match against the Melbourne Stars, acknowledged the influence of senior players like Perry and Australian captain Alyssa Healy. Gardner mentioned learning valuable lessons from these experienced leaders and aims to carry forward their legacy as she leads the team into a new era.
Gardner, who captains the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), has been retained by the franchise for the 2026 season, showcasing her growing leadership responsibilities across different formats. Meanwhile, Perry remains associated with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the WPL, retaining her role as a key senior figure and mentor within the squad.
The Sydney Sixers are set to kick off their WBBL 2025 campaign on Sunday, November 9, facing the Perth Scorchers at the WACA Ground in Perth. With Gardner taking on the captaincy and Perry continuing as a vital player, the Sixers aim to blend fresh energy with experience to strive for championship success.
Sydney Sixers squad for WBBL 2025 includes Ellyse Perry, Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr, Courtney Sippel, and Emma Manix-Geeves.