Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis faced online abuse after giving a scathing farewell to Pakistan batsman Babar Azam during the Big Bash League (BBL) game between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers. Babar’s fans posted derogatory comments towards Stoinis and his fiancee on his Instagram account.
The former Pakistan captain is currently playing for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. He has scored 145 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.16 and strike rate of 108.20, which includes two half-centuries. The right-handed batsman’s slow batting has raised questions about his intentions in the shortest format.
Watch: Marcus Stoinis bids farewell to Babar Azam during BBL clash
The incident occurred in Melbourne on 8 January during a Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers. Marcus Stoinis was out for 33 when Babar had him caught at cover. However, he dismissed Babar with the ball in the second innings.
Stoinis bowled a full, straight ball which touched Babar’s bat and hit his pad. The umpire raised his finger and Babar decided not to review the decision after a brief exchange with Josh Philippe at the non-striker’s end.
Stoinis celebrated the wicket in an animated manner and bid a farewell to Babar, with the cameras capturing him saying a few words as he ran past the batsman. This video went viral on social media platforms.
Stoinis said, “See you later, Babar, see you later, brother.”
Marcus Stoinis removes Babar Azam, and doesn’t he like it #bbl15 pic.twitter.com/eyAAOhIRsH
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) 8 January 2026
Babar fans target Marcus Stoinis after former Pakistan captain’s dismissal
Babar Azam’s fans reacted strongly on social media after his moment on the field with Marcus Stoinis during the Big Bash League match. After Stoinis dismissed Babar and celebrated a wild farewell, many supporters of the Pakistan star took to the internet to express their anger.
Stoinis became the main target of the reaction. Pakistani fans flooded his social media accounts with negative comments, with many praising Babar and mocking the Australian all-rounder.
Even an old Instagram post of Stoinis’s fiancée from September started garnering a large number of new comments. Fans flooded the section with Babar-related messages, emojis and GIFs, turning the post into a venue for online abuse.
One user commented, “Don’t forget your father on the swing, Raja Babar .”
Another fan wrote, “Stonis King is back Babar Azam Heart’s peace.”
A fan said, “A cover drive from Babar>>>>your entire career .”
One fan wrote, “King is always king, king is Babar Azam.”
Babar Azam’s leadership and batting for Pakistan in recent times
Babar Azam has become one of the most reliable batsmen in world cricket. He has scored over 15,000 runs in international formats and has been a key player for Pakistan for over ten years.
From 2019 to 2024, Babar led Pakistan in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He led the team to the 2021 World Cup semi-finals and 2022 final. Babar has often been ranked among the top batsmen in ODIs and T20Is.
He is known for his patience, clean technique and ability to handle pressure. His performances earned him the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2022 and the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022. He has also made records, including becoming the fastest player to reach 5,000 ODI runs in 97 innings.
Also read: Babar Azam trapped in family feud over love marriage, said no to marrying cousin
