Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a fierce attack on Babar Azam following a controversial incident during a Big Bash League match. The drama unfolded during the Sydney Sixers versus Sydney Thunder clash, sparking intense debate among cricket pundits.
The Controversial Run-Out Incident
Babar Azam found himself at the center of controversy while batting in the 40s. During the eleventh over, he pushed the final ball toward long-on and immediately called for a single. However, his batting partner Steve Smith refused the run at the very last moment. This left Babar stranded mid-pitch, visibly frustrated and annoyed by the sudden refusal.
Smith's Explosive Response
The situation became more complicated because the Sixers had already activated the Power Surge. This special two-over phase is designed specifically for aggressive scoring. Smith made his intentions perfectly clear in the very next over. He unleashed a brutal assault, smashing 32 runs from that single over. This remarkable feat created the most expensive over in the entire history of the Big Bash League.
Babar's innings ended abruptly soon after this explosive display. He was bowled on the very first ball of the thirteenth over. The frustrated batsman walked off the field and expressed his anger by hitting the boundary cushions with his bat.
Basit Ali's Blistering Criticism
Reacting strongly to the entire episode, Basit Ali came out in full support of Steve Smith. He placed all the blame squarely on Babar Azam's shoulders. "Smith proved his point in the very next over," Basit declared. "At one stage, I actually thought he would hit six consecutive sixes in that over. He answered the situation perfectly, didn't he?"
The former cricketer then made a provocative comparison involving Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli. "If Virat Kohli had wanted to take this single like Babar Azam, even Steve Smith's father would have taken it!" Basit stated emphatically. His comment suggested that the Australian batter would never deny a single to a player of Kohli's caliber.
Kamran Akmal's Contrasting View
Not everyone agreed with Basit Ali's harsh assessment. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal felt that Smith's actions had crossed an important line. "This should not have happened," Akmal argued. "I understand that Smith went on to score a rapid century. He could have simply told Babar beforehand not to take a single. Not like this. This represents clear disrespect."
Akmal offered an alternative approach for dealing with the situation. "If the Sydney Sixers management are unhappy with Babar, they should drop him from the team. They should not disrespect him in this manner. Make him sit out if necessary, but do not treat him like this on the field."
Basit Ali Stands Firm
Basit Ali remained completely unmoved by these contrasting opinions. He insisted that Babar Azam's recent performances have significantly lowered his standing in international cricket. "You have brought down your own value through your game," Basit asserted bluntly. "Pakistan's reputation is not tarnished by this incident. People who claim otherwise are simply foolish."
The former batsman also clarified Babar's participation in the Australian tournament. "Babar went to play in the Big Bash League because he received a personal invitation. The Pakistan Cricket Board did not send him there officially," Basit Ali explained, separating the player's individual decision from national board involvement.
This heated exchange highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding modern cricket partnerships and the high-pressure environment of T20 leagues. The incident continues to generate discussion about player relationships, on-field communication, and the expectations placed on international stars competing in franchise tournaments worldwide.
