The world of cricket, particularly within the US sporting landscape where leagues like Minor League Cricket (MLC) are gaining traction, is buzzing following a heated exchange ignited by a controversial incident in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL). The fallout centered on an on-field disagreement between Pakistani superstar Babar Azam and Australian veteran Steve Smith, leading former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali to make pointed remarks that dragged global icon Virat Kohli into the fray.
The On-Field Tussle: Smith Refuses the Single
The flashpoint occurred during a recent BBL fixture involving the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder. Babar Azam, batting well in the 40s, attempted a quick single on the final ball of the 11th over, pushing the ball towards long-on. In a move that shocked spectators and analysts alike, Steve Smith, his batting partner, declined the run at the last moment, leaving Azam stranded mid-pitch and visibly frustrated.
The context amplified the tension. The Sixers had just utilized their Power Surge—a strategic two-over period designed for aggressive boundary hitting. Smith’s decision seemed to signal a clear shift in focus, perhaps prioritizing his own momentum over the immediate safety of his partner’s wicket. What happened next only fueled the fire.
Smith’s Explosive Reply
Smith immediately turned the narrative into a dominant display. In the very next over, he unleashed an onslaught, smashing 32 runs off the bowler—an over that instantly became the most expensive in Big Bash League history. This aggressive response was widely interpreted as Smith’s direct answer to the preceding run-out scare.
Shortly after this historic over, Babar Azam’s innings came to an abrupt and frustrating end. He was bowled on the first delivery of the 13th over and walked off, reportedly striking the boundary cushions with his bat in clear annoyance.
Basit Ali’s Verdict: Blame Babar, Not Smith
Reacting to the episode, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali offered a scathing defense of Steve Smith, placing the onus squarely on Babar Azam's perceived dip in form and decision-making.
“Smith proved it next over. At one point, I thought he would hit six sixes in that over. He answered it, na?” Basit remarked. He then delivered the most provocative statement of his analysis, drawing a comparison to perhaps the biggest name in modern cricket:
“If Virat Kohli had wanted to take this single like Babar Azam, Steve Smith ka baap bhi single leta! (Even Steve Smith's father would've taken it),” Basit asserted, suggesting that Smith would never have denied a run to an established figure like Kohli.
Basit further argued that Azam’s recent performance level had diminished his standing in the dressing room. “You have brought your own value down with your game. Pakistan's name is not sullied by this. People who say that are fools,” he added, clarifying that Azam was in the BBL by invitation, not directly dispatched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Counterarguments: Disrespect and Professionalism
Not everyone in the cricketing fraternity agreed with Basit Ali’s harsh assessment. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal voiced his disapproval, suggesting Smith’s actions crossed a line of professional courtesy.
“This shouldn't have happened. I understand Smith hit a fast hundred. He could have told Babar before that the ball ‘Don't take a single'. Not like this. This is a disrespect,” Akmal stated. He proposed alternative solutions, noting, “If Sydney Sixers aren't happy with Babar, drop him. Make him sit out, only… But don't do this.”
Implications for US Cricket Viewership
While the core debate resides in foreign leagues, such high-profile controversies resonate deeply with the growing US cricket audience, who follow international stars closely, especially with the rise of the MLC and the anticipation surrounding future T20 World Cups hosted, in part, in the US.
Incidents highlighting player dynamics, assertiveness, and team hierarchy spark intense debate, mirroring the scrutiny applied to local sports figures. The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli—two titans of the modern game—serves as a powerful barometer for how performance dictates respect, a lesson relevant across all competitive sports ecosystems.
As the BBL season progresses, this specific moment will likely be cited as a case study in partnership dynamics, highlighting the thin line between aggressive intent and perceived on-field disrespect in high-stakes T20 franchise cricket.