What happened between Babar Azam and Steve Smith in the Big Bash League?

During a Sydney Sixers match, Steve Smith refused a run to Babar Azam, leading to a run-out and subsequent heated discussion.

Why did Basit Ali criticize Babar Azam?

Basit Ali blamed Babar Azam's form and decision-making for the run-out incident with Steve Smith, defending Smith's actions.

Did Kamran Akmal agree with Basit Ali's comments on the Babar Azam incident?

No, Kamran Akmal felt Steve Smith's actions were disrespectful towards Babar Azam and suggested better ways to handle team issues.

Home / Sports / Babar Azam row: Ali slams Pakistan star, drags Kohli

Babar Azam row: Ali slams Pakistan star, drags Kohli

18 Jan

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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.

Babar Azam row: Ali slams Pakistan star, drags Kohli

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.