Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith has cleared the air about his relationship with Pakistan batsman Babar Azam amid reports of an alleged feud between them during the Big Bash League (BBL). The speculation followed an on-field incident during the Sydney Sixers’ match against the Sydney Thunder last Friday, when Babar appeared unhappy after being denied a single by Smith and later cut a frustrated figure after his dismissal.
Speaking to broadcasters ahead of the Sixers’ clash against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, Smith directly asked host Isa Guh: “Have you and Babar agreed yet?”
Smith was quick to quash the rumours, insisting there was nothing unusual between the two stars. Footage from the team’s pre-match training session was shown during the telecast, in which Smith and Babar were seen having a casual chat on the sidelines.
Revealing what the conversation was about, Smith said: “No, he’s good. We were just chatting before. I thought he hit really well last night and we had a good partnership. We talked about our golf there. He’s looking forward to tonight and it’s a nice wicket so hopefully we can get off to a good start again.”
Controversy erupted during the Sixers’ 11th inning at Moore Park when Smith rejected the single offered by Babar when he looked to take command during the first Power Surge. Babar looked visibly unfazed by the call, an exchange that was caught on camera and quickly went viral.
However, Smith immediately strongly justified his decision. In the very next over, he smashed four consecutive sixes, plundered 32 runs and decisively changed the momentum in favor of the Sixers.
Babar was then brought back on strike in the next over but was dismissed off the very first delivery. On his way back to the pavilion, the former Pakistan captain hit the boundary cushion with his bat, a moment that further fueled speculation of a rift between the pair.
A report from CODE Sports later claimed that Babar did not take the field during post-match discussions and instead isolated himself in the dressing room, reportedly feeling “disrespected” by Smith. The report described his reaction as an “epic spit on a dummy” and a “stunning tantrum,” while also suggesting that Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd stepped in to defuse the situation.
He further claimed that Smith had informed Babar of his tactical plan earlier in their century partnership, suggesting that there was communication between the two during the innings.
Smith subsequently clarified that the move was purely tactical and part of a pre-planned strategy.
“We were talking at the ten mark and they (captain and coach) said they’d take the wave straight away,” Smith told Channel 7. “I said, ‘No, give it another go. I want to hit the short boundary. I don’t want to mess up the first over. I’ll try to get 30 out of it.’ I think we got 32 so that was a good result. I’m not sure if Babar was too happy when I gave that single back.”
While the incident sparked widespread debate and speculation on the internet, Smith’s comments on Sunday made it clear there was no lingering tension, with both batsmen appearing focused on helping the Sixers advance in the tournament.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 18, 2026