Steve Smith Sets Record Straight on Babar Azam Relationship
Steve Smith finally addressed the swirling rumors about his relationship with Sydney Sixers teammate Babar Azam on Sunday. The Australian cricketer spoke directly about the growing speculation that emerged after their recent Big Bash League match.
The Broadcast Question That Sparked Clarification
During the live broadcast before the Sixers' game against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, commentator Isa Guha put the question bluntly to Smith. "Have you and Babar made up?" she asked, referencing reports of tension between the two international stars.
Smith barely entertained the idea of any serious fallout. As footage from the team's pre-match training session played, viewers could see Smith and Babar talking casually together. The Australian batsman explained there was absolutely nothing tense about their exchange.
"Nah, he's good. We were just chatting before," Smith said. "I thought he batted really well the other night and we had a good partnership. We were talking about our golf there. He's looking forward to tonight and it's a nice wicket, so I hope we can get off to a good start again."
The Incident That Started the Chatter
The moment that sparked all the speculation occurred during the 11th over at Moore Park. Babar Azam wanted to take a single, but Smith turned down the run. The Australian wanted to maintain control during the first over of the Power Surge.
Babar did not hide his disappointment at the decision. However, Smith immediately justified his call in spectacular fashion. He smashed four consecutive sixes in the very next over, collecting 32 runs and shifting the momentum decisively in the Sixers' favor.
While Babar went on to score 47 runs from 39 balls at a strike rate of 120.51, Smith powered to a breathtaking century from just 41 deliveries at the other end. The Pakistani batsman was put back on strike in the following over, albeit hesitantly, and was dismissed off the first ball he faced.
The Aftermath and Reports
As Babar walked back to the pavilion, his frustration was clearly visible. The former Pakistan captain struck the boundary cushion with his bat in evident disappointment.
A report from CODE Sports claimed Babar did not take the field for the post-match proceedings. Instead, he reportedly stayed in the dressing room, feeling slighted by Smith's decision to turn down the single. The publication labeled his reaction an "epic dummy spit" and a "stunning tantrum."
The report also stated that Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd stepped in to calm the situation. It added that Smith had already communicated his tactical plan to Babar one over earlier during their century partnership.
Smith's Tactical Explanation
Smith later offered complete clarity on his thinking behind the controversial move. He insisted it was entirely tactical rather than personal.
"We spoke at the ten-over mark and they said take the surge straightaway," Smith told Channel 7. "I said, 'Nah, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary. I don't want to mess up the first over. I'll try to get 30 off that over.' I think we got 32, so it was a good result. Not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single."
In the end, Smith's bat did all the talking. The scoreboard completely backed his decision, and any lingering talk of tension between the teammates was brushed aside with their simple pre-match chat about golf.
The incident highlights how quickly speculation can grow in professional cricket, even when players maintain professional relationships. Both Smith and Babar continue to represent the Sydney Sixers as they progress through the Big Bash League season.
