Former Pakistani cricketer Sade Ali after giving a sharp assessment about it caused new discussions Babar Azam After a controversial moment in the big time Premier League (BBL|15) Clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder teams. The incident, which happened in the middle of the innings of sixes, quickly drew attention and later led to a harsh reaction from Basit, who even dragged him. Virat Kohli to the discussion.
Steve Smith dismisses a single to Babar Azam
The turning point came during the final delivery of the 11th over, when Babar, batting in the 40s, nudged the ball towards long-on and called for a quick single. Steve Smith, stationed at the non-striker’s end, responded first before being withdrawn at the last moment. The hesitation left Babar stranded in the middle of the pitch, forcing him to drop back to safety and take his frustration out on the open.
It was the context that made the moment more significant. The Sydney Sixers had already activated Power Surge – more than two windows designed to maximize points. With runs at a premium at this stage, the decision not to take a quick single frustrated Babar, who wanted to spin the strike and keep the momentum going.
If there were any doubts about Smith’s intentions, they were quickly dispelled. The next word turned into a brutal statement as Smith smashed 32 runs in a stunning attack. The barrage of boundaries and powerful sixes stunned both the opponent and the spectators, completely changing the complexion of the innings.
Moments later, the focus turned back to Babar for the wrong reasons. On the first ball of the 13th over, he bowled cleanly, bringing his innings to a sudden and frustrating end. Babar hit the pads for a boundary with the bat on his way back, a clear display of frustration that added fuel to the growing debate surrounding the earlier run-call incident.
Basit Ali defends Smith, calls out Virat Kohli comparison
Reacting strongly to the episode, Basit Ali strongly came to Smith’s defense and put the blame squarely on Babar. He argued that Smith’s explosive response below justified his decision to drop the single.
“Smith proved it again. At one point I thought he was going to hit six sixes.” Basit noted. Then he called Virat Kohli Had Kohli been in Babar’s position, Smith would never have denied a run.
“He replied, yes? If Virat Kohli wanted to take this single like Babar Azam, Steve Smith ka baap bhi single letta! (Even Steve Smith’s father would take the single),” Basit added.
Delivered in Basit’s trademark blunt style, the comment quickly made headlines and sparked heated reactions from fans.
Also READ: Steve Smith explains why not to rely on Babar Azam for ‘power surges’ during BBL|15
Basit Ali questions Babar Azam’s current status in world cricket
Basit Ali went a step further by questioning Babar Azam’s current status in world cricket. According to him, the recent performances have reduced Babar’s value rather than increasing it. He dismissed claims that the episode reflected poorly on Pakistan cricket, calling such views false.
“You have lowered your self-worth with your game” Basit emphasized that Babar’s participation in the Big Bash League was based on an invitation rather than official support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“You have devalued yourself with your game. It does not tarnish Pakistan’s name. Those who say that are idiots. Babar went to play the Big Bash because he was invited but the Pakistan Cricket Board didn’t send him.”
Although the Sixers’ dominance on the court ultimately overshadowed the midcourt drama, the incident continues to generate debate. With opinion sharply divided, the episode once again highlighted how individual moments, body language and status perceptions can quickly become major talking points in modern T20 cricket.
Also READ: Tactical Genius or Team Friction? Mitchell Starc stars in Steve Smith-Babar Azam drama in BBL|15
