"We were just..."; Steve Smith clears air on dressing room tension with Babar Azam

Australia star batter Steve Smith has addressed reports suggesting tension between him and Pakistan captain Babar Azam following a much-debated incident during a Big Bash League match involving the Sydney Sixers. 
Speculation had surfaced after Babar appeared visibly upset when denied a single by Smith during their game against the Sydney Thunder.

Smith Dismisses Dressing Room Speculation

Speaking ahead of the Sydney Sixers’ clash against the Brisbane Heat, Smith was asked by presenter Isa Guha whether the issue with Babar had been resolved. The former Australia captain was quick to brush aside the rumours, saying there was no animosity between the two. Smith revealed that the pair were chatting casually before the match and were even discussing golf.

“Nah, he’s good. We were just chatting before. I thought he batted really well the other night and we had a good partnership,” Smith said, adding that Babar was looking forward to batting again on what he described as a good wicket.

What Triggered the Controversy

The incident occurred when Babar, batting in the 40s, called for a single off the final ball of the 11th over, only for Smith to refuse. Babar’s visible frustration drew attention, especially as the Sixers opted for the Power Surge from the 12th over.

Smith capitalised on the decision, smashing 32 runs in the Power Surge—the most in BBL history while Babar was dismissed on the first ball of the 13th over, venting his frustration by striking the boundary cushions with his bat.

Mixed Reactions After the Match

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal criticised Smith’s actions, calling them disrespectful and suggesting the situation could have been handled better.

Despite the noise surrounding the incident, Smith’s clarification appears to have put the dressing room tension rumours to rest, with focus now shifting back to on-field performances in the BBL.