The controversy surrounding Pakistan star Babar Azam’s on-field reaction during the Big Bash League (PBL) match continued.
Azam did not join his Sixers teammates for the customary post-match handshake following their five-wicket win over Sydney Thunder, fueling speculation of tensions within the dressing room.
At the end of the 11th over, Azam also dismissed a single to ensure that Smith would be on strike for the Power Surge – a tactical phase where only two fielders are allowed outside the circle.
Smith reportedly informed the right-handed batsman before an over that he wanted to take the first ball of the rise.
Azam, dismissed for 47 runs off 39 balls, was unhappy with the result.
According to CODE Sports, he later isolated himself in the dressing room and told teammates he felt “disrespected” by Smith’s refusal to rotate the strike.
Sixers head coach Greg Shippard has reportedly spoken to the former Pakistan captain about the matter.
CODE, which confirmed the report with multiple sources, described the episode as an “epic fake spat” and “shocking outrage”.
However, Smith’s decision was decisive. He scored 32 runs in a power surge over and took the match away from the Thunder.
Despite the milestone, Assam did not concede Smith’s effort and was dismissed on the very next ball he faced.
On his way off the field, the 31-year-old hit the boundary rope with his bat in frustration – drawing criticism from former Australian cricketers.
“You don’t show what you feel,” Mark Waugh commented.
“It’s not a good feeling for the team environment.”
Waugh later said Assam’s refusal to participate in the post-match handshake was “not a good look”.
Former Australian vice-1 player Brad Haddin defended Smith’s decision, saying it was purely tactical.
“Steve Smith wanted to stay on strike for the power surge and the run fell back,” Haddin said.
“It’s a smart move. Babur must be happy with it.”
Haddin also pointed to Assam’s disjointedness throughout the surge over, despite Smith hitting four consecutive sixes.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian legend Adam Gilchrist also sided with Smith, stressing the importance of team-first results.
“In a team sport, you sometimes make decisions that individuals don’t like – but Smith made the right call,” Vaughan said.
Gilchrist described Assam’s reaction as disappointing, especially given his status in world cricket.
“He was a class act and loved by the whole world, so that’s disappointing to see,” Gilchrist said.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting acknowledged Asam’s frustration but admitted Smith’s call was justified.
“It’s a kick for any player of that stature, but Smith doesn’t get those decisions wrong very often,” Ponting said on Channel 7.
“It could have been a match-winning call — and it was.”
Smith admitted after the match that Assam were not happy with the situation.
“I’m not sure Babur was too happy that I got that single back,” Smith said after winning the Man of the Match award following his second-fastest PBL century.
Former Sixers spinner Steve O’Keebe also backed Smith, saying the decision suited the team’s needs.
“Babur is not a big power hitter – Steve Smith,” O’Keefe said on Fox Cricket.
“He proved himself by scoring more than 30 runs. But clearly, Babar wasn’t too happy about it.”