‘If it was Virat Kohli, Steve Smith ka baap bhi single leta’: Ex-Pakistan cricketer on Babar Azam’s BBL controversy

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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has sparked fresh debate after delivering a blunt assessment of Babar Azam following a controversial moment during a Big Bash League (BBL|15) clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. The incident, which unfolded midway through the Sixers’ innings, quickly grabbed attention and later drew a strong reaction from Basit, who even dragged Virat Kohli into the discussion.

The flashpoint occurred during the final delivery of the 11th over when Babar, batting in the 40s, nudged the ball toward long-on and called for a quick single. Steve Smith, stationed at the non-striker’s end, initially responded before pulling out at the last moment. The hesitation left Babar stranded mid-pitch, forcing him to scramble back to safety and visibly vent his frustration.

What made the moment more significant was the context. Sydney Sixers had already activated the Power Surge – a two-over window meant to maximize scoring. With runs at a premium during that phase, the decision not to take a quick single appeared to irk Babar, who was eager to rotate strike and maintain momentum.

If there were doubts about Smith’s intent, they were erased immediately. The very next over turned into a brutal statement as Smith unleashed an astonishing assault, smashing 32 runs. The barrage of boundaries and towering sixes stunned both the opposition and spectators, completely changing the complexion of the innings.

Moments later, the spotlight shifted back to Babar for the wrong reasons. On the first ball of the 13th over, he was clean bowled, bringing his innings to an abrupt and frustrating end. As Babar walked back, he struck the boundary cushions with his bat, a clear display of disappointment that added fuel to the growing debate around the earlier run-call incident.

Reacting strongly to the episode, Basit Ali came out firmly in Smith’s defense, placing the blame squarely on Babar. He argued that Smith’s explosive response in the following over justified his decision to refuse the single.

“Smith proved it in the next over. At one point, I thought he would hit six sixes,” Basit remarked. He then invoked Virat Kohli to underline his point, stating that if Kohli were in Babar’s position, Smith would never have denied the run.

“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 the single)” added Basit.

The comment, delivered in Basit’s trademark blunt style, quickly made headlines and sparked heated reactions among fans.

Also READ: Steve Smith reveals the reason behind not trusting Babar Azam for ‘power surge’ during the BBL|15 game

Basit Ali went a step further by questioning Babar Azam’s current stature in world cricket. According to him, recent performances have diminished Babar’s value rather than enhanced it. He dismissed claims that the episode reflected poorly on Pakistan cricket, calling such views misguided.

“You have brought your own value down with your game,” Basit said, emphasizing that Babar’s participation in the Big Bash League was based on an invitation rather than official backing from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“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.”

While the Sixers’ on-field dominance ultimately overshadowed the mid-pitch drama, the incident continues to generate debate. With opinions sharply divided, the episode has once again highlighted how individual moments, body language and perceptions of status can quickly escalate into major talking points in modern T20 cricket.

Also READ: Tactical genius or Team friction? Mitchell Starc weighs in on Steve Smith-Babar Azam drama in BBL|15