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Babar Azam row: Ali slams Pakistan star, drags Kohli
18 Jan
Summary
- Basit Ali defended Steve Smith after Babar Azam run-out controversy.
- Ali controversially linked Babar Azam's form to his Big Bash standing.
- Kamran Akmal criticized Smith's actions as disrespectful to Babar Azam.
Basit Ali has issued a scathing critique of Pakistan's Babar Azam, stemming from a contentious run-out during a recent Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Ali defended teammate Steve Smith's decision not to take a single, placing the blame squarely on Azam's shoulders.
The incident occurred during the Power Surge, a high-scoring phase. After Smith refused the run, the subsequent over saw Smith smash a record 32 runs. Azam was dismissed shortly after, visibly frustrated. Ali suggested that Smith would have acted differently if a player of Virat Kohli's caliber were involved.
However, former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal disagreed, calling Smith's actions disrespectful and suggesting alternative ways to handle team dissatisfaction. Basit Ali remained firm, attributing the controversy to Azam's recent form and its impact on his perceived value, while also noting that the Pakistan Cricket Board did not facilitate Azam's participation in the league.
