Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali delivered a brutal assessment while reacting to the controversy involving Babar Azam during a Big Bash League match, even dragging Virat Kohli’s name into the debate. The incident occurred during the clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Babar, batting in the 40s, pushed the final ball of the 11th over towards long-on and called for a single. Smith refused the run at the last moment, leaving Babar stranded mid-pitch and visibly annoyed.
The situation escalated as the Sixers had already opted for the Power Surge, a two-over phase designed for aggressive scoring.Smith then made his intentions clear. The very next over turned into a statement as he smashed 32 runs, the most expensive over in Big Bash League history. Soon after, Babar’s innings came to an abrupt end. He was bowled on the first ball of the 13th over and walked off in frustration as he hit the boundary cushions with his bat.Reacting to the episode, Basit Ali defended Smith and placed the blame squarely on Babar. “Smith proved it next over. At one point, I thought he would hit six sixes in that over. He answered it, na? 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 said, suggesting that the Australian batter wouldn’t deny Kohli.Not everyone agreed with that view. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal felt Smith’s action crossed a line.“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. If Sydney Sixers aren’t happy with Babar, drop him. Don’t disrespect him like this. Make him sit out, only… But don’t do this,” he added.Basit, however, stood firm. He insisted Babar’s recent form has lowered his standing. “You have brought your own value down with your game. Pakistan’s name is not sullied by this. People who say that are fools. Babar went to play Big Bash because he was invited there, but the Pakistan cricket board didn’t send him,” Basit Ali said.
