In a recent Big Bash League match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, a controversial moment unfolded that has ignited a fiery debate among cricket pundits. Steve Smith, playing for the Sixers, refused to take a single off the last ball of an over, denying his batting partner Babar Azam the strike. This tactical move left Babar visibly frustrated, and he later expressed his annoyance by hitting the boundary cushion on his way out after getting dismissed in the next over.
Kamran Akmal Calls It Disrespectful
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal did not hold back his criticism of the incident. Speaking on the YouTube show 'Game Plan', Akmal labeled Smith's actions as disrespectful towards Babar Azam. He argued that while Smith's decision might have been tactically sound, it should have been communicated to Babar beforehand.
"This shouldn't have happened," Akmal stated firmly. "I understand Smith hit a fast hundred. He could have told Babar before that 'don't take a single'. Not like this. This is a disrespect."
Akmal emphasized that if the Sydney Sixers management had issues with Babar's performance, they should have dropped him from the team rather than subjecting him to such public humiliation. "If Sydney Sixers aren't happy with Babar, drop him. Don't disrespect him like this. Make him sit out, only. Team first always, if he isn't right for the team, then rest him. But don't do this," he added.
Basit Ali Defends Steve Smith's Move
In stark contrast, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali came to Steve Smith's defense during the same discussion. He pointed out that Smith's decision was vindicated when he smashed four sixes in the following over, proving his tactical acumen.
"Smith proved it next over. At one point, I thought he would hit six sixes in that over. He answered it, didn't he?" Basit remarked.
Basit Ali went further, suggesting that Babar Azam's own batting approach contributed to the situation. He even drew a comparison with Indian star Virat Kohli to make his point. "If Virat Kohli had wanted to take this single like Babar Azam, Steve Smith ka baap bhi single leta!" he exclaimed, implying that a more aggressive player like Kohli would not have been in such a position.
He also clarified that the incident did not tarnish Pakistan's reputation, attributing Babar's participation in the BBL to a personal invitation rather than a board decision. "Babar went to play Big Bash because he was invited there, but the Pakistan cricket board didn't send him," Basit noted.
Akmal's Nuanced Perspective
Kamran Akmal later elaborated on his stance, acknowledging Smith's talent and the match-winning intent behind his decision. However, he stressed the importance of respecting a top-order batsman like Babar Azam.
"I am not discrediting Smith. Great player. Plays only Tests and then comes in T20 and does this. But Babar is Pakistan's number one player. He is very popular," Akmal said. He added that while Smith demonstrated exceptional skill by hitting four sixes, the communication gap was the real issue.
Akmal also pointed out Babar's struggle in that particular over, where he played three or four dot balls. "If someone has three dot balls in a T20 cricket at that stage, who is to blame? Our best players aren't showing the kind of intent that the local players in Big Bash show," he concluded, highlighting a broader concern about Pakistani batsmen's approach in T20 cricket.
Reactions from the Cricket World
The incident did not go unnoticed by other cricket personalities. Former Australian batsman Mark Waugh, commenting on Babar's visible frustration, termed it "not a good look" when visuals showed him slamming his bat on the way out.
This controversy comes shortly after another Pakistani player, Mohammad Rizwan, made headlines in the BBL. Rizwan became the first overseas batsman to be retired out in the league's history, struggling to 26 runs off 23 balls before being called back by his captain. These events have sparked discussions about the treatment and performance of Pakistani cricketers in international T20 leagues.
The debate between Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal underscores the passionate opinions within the cricket community regarding player respect, tactical decisions, and on-field conduct. As the Big Bash League continues, such incidents remind fans and experts alike of the intense dynamics at play in modern T20 cricket.
