Cricket’s unwritten rules are often more fiercely debated than its official laws. And when those gray areas involve global superstars like Steve Smith and Babar Azam, the fallout is inevitable. A recent incident during a Big Bash League (BBL) match has reignited the age-old question: where does smart cricket end and unsportsmanlike conduct begin? The controversy exploded when former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali made a provocative claim—“If it was Kohli in Babar’s place, Smith would never deny him a run”—sparking a fiery response from his compatriot Kamran Akmal and fans worldwide .
Table of Contents
- What Actually Happened in the BBL Match?
- Basit Ali’s Defense of Steve Smith: The Kohli Comparison
- Kamran Akmal’s Sharp Rebuttal: ‘It Was Disrespectful’
- The Unwritten Rules: When Is Run Denial Acceptable?
- Smith, Kohli, and Babar: The Politics of Perception
- Fan and Expert Reactions Across the Cricketing World
- Conclusion: Gamesmanship or a Breach of Trust?
- Sources
What Actually Happened in the BBL Match?
During a high-stakes BBL encounter, Sydney Sixers’ captain Steve Smith found himself at the non-striker’s end with Pakistan’s Babar Azam on strike. With the match finely poised, Babar pushed a ball into the covers and called for a quick single. Smith, however, refused the run—standing his ground while Babar scrambled back.
Just two balls later, Smith launched an explosive 32-run over off the opposition bowler. But on the very next delivery, Babar—now visibly unsettled—was clean bowled. The sequence raised eyebrows: did Smith’s refusal break Babar’s rhythm? Was it tactical brilliance or psychological warfare? The optics were damning, especially given the cross-border sensitivities involved .
Basit Ali’s Defense of Steve Smith: The Kohli Comparison
Former Pakistan all-rounder Basit Ali didn’t see malice in Smith’s actions. In a televised debate, he argued that Smith’s move was purely strategic—a captain protecting his wicket in a pressure situation. But then came the incendiary remark: “If it was Virat Kohli in Babar’s place, Smith would never have done that.”
Ali suggested that Smith shares a deep mutual respect with Kohli, forged through years of intense but fair rivalry. “Their battles are on the field, not off it,” he said. “With Babar, maybe there’s no such history—or perhaps Smith doesn’t view him the same way” . This comment instantly polarized viewers, implying a hierarchy of respect among elite batters.
Kamran Akmal’s Sharp Rebuttal: ‘It Was Disrespectful’
Not everyone agreed. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal strongly condemned Smith’s action. “Denying your batting partner a run—especially when they’re calling for it—is disrespectful,” he stated. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Babar, Kohli, or anyone else. Cricket is about trust between partners.”
Akmal went further, accusing Smith of using the moment to assert dominance rather than play team cricket. “He knew Babar was set. He wanted the strike. So he took it—by freezing him out. That’s not leadership; that’s ego” .
The Unwritten Rules: When Is Run Denial Acceptable?
This incident taps into one of cricket’s murkiest zones. While the Laws of Cricket don’t mandate accepting a call, decades of convention dictate that the striker’s call is usually final—unless there’s a clear miscommunication or danger of a run-out.
Experts point to rare precedents:
- In 2019, Joe Root once refused a run from Ben Stokes during an Ashes Test—but only because he saw a fielder charging in.
- Conversely, in 2007, Rahul Dravid was criticized for not backing MS Dhoni’s call, leading to tension in the Indian dressing room.
The key difference? Context and communication. Smith’s silence—not a word, not a gesture—made his refusal feel personal, not practical.
Smith, Kohli, and Babar: The Politics of Perception
Ali’s Kohli comparison isn’t just about friendship—it reflects a broader narrative. Smith and Kohli have shared over 50 international matches, building a rivalry laced with grudging admiration. Their duels are legendary, but so is their post-match handshake and mutual praise.
Babar, while respected, hasn’t had the same volume of high-stakes encounters with Smith. Could this be a case of unconscious bias? Or is it simply that Smith felt Babar wasn’t rotating strike effectively? The truth likely lies in the nuance—but Ali’s comment exposed how legacy and relationships shape on-field decisions in ways the scorecard never shows.
Fan and Expert Reactions Across the Cricketing World
Social media erupted along national lines:
- Indian fans largely sided with Ali, citing Smith-Kohli’s iconic battles.
- Pakistani supporters rallied behind Babar, calling the act “unsportsmanlike.”
- Neutral analysts like Isa Guha argued, “It’s poor captaincy, not poor character. Smith prioritized his form over partnership flow.”
Even Australian legends were divided—Shane Warne called it “sharp cricket,” while Adam Gilchrist admitted it “looked bad on TV.”
Conclusion: Gamesmanship or a Breach of Trust?
The Steve Smith Babar Azam BBL controversy isn’t just about one refused run. It’s a mirror reflecting cricket’s evolving soul—caught between old-school camaraderie and modern hyper-competitiveness. Basit Ali’s Kohli comparison may have been provocative, but it highlighted a hard truth: in elite sport, respect is earned through repeated, high-stakes engagement. Whether Smith’s move was genius or gauche depends on who you ask. But one thing is certain: in the court of public opinion, silence speaks louder than sixes.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘If it was Kohli in Babar’s place’: Ex-Pak cricketer on Smith controversy in BBL
- ESPNcricinfo: BBL Match Report – Smith’s 32-Run Over & Babar’s Dismissal
- ICC Code of Conduct Guidelines on Player Behavior
- [INTERNAL_LINK:smith-kohli-rivalry-history]