Australian cricketers are making fun of Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam during the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26). First, it was Chris Green, and then Steve Smith; He insulted Babar Azam during the same live match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on Friday, January 16.
Australian stars hit out at Babar Azam after being jeered on the field at SCG
The drama took center stage during the BBL 2025-26 clash between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder at the SCG, where Babar found himself at the center of on-field jeers and pressure tactics by the Australian stars. However, it was Green who started things.
The moment unfolded during the fifth over of Sydney Sixers’ chase against Sydney Thunder at the SCG. Aidan O’Connor was bowling, Babar was on 22 runs from 13 balls and he was struggling for big hits. At that time, the Sydney Thunder spinner had declared the former Pakistan captain a T20 liability.
Also read: Steve Smith dragged into ‘Sandpapergate’ mud, Babar Azam fans abuse him after BBL incident
Babar Azam calls T20 a liability after Chris Green’s strategy in BBL 2025-26 clash goes viral
Green was heard openly discussing a plan to keep Babar on strike for as long as possible. The Australian star has openly suggested that the right-handed batsman is not a natural T20 attacker.
The idea was to force Babar to attack early and waste as many balls as possible and prevent Steve Smith from taking strike. The comment quickly went viral on social media and many felt it was disrespectful and insulting to the former Pakistan captain.
In the viral clip, Chris Green was heard saying, “Let him (Babar Azam) face as many balls as possible up front. He likes to ease his way into things and then play catch-up, so try and force him to hit and starve the smudger (Steve Smith).”
Chris Green admitted that he wanted Babar Azam to play as many balls as possible in the power play (PP), so that like always he ruins the PP.
Chris brother, there is no need to be so blunt pic.twitter.com/WbFVrteQ6P
– Gangadhar (@90_andypycroft) 16 January 2026
Babar silenced his critics by playing a key role in Sixers’ chase of the big target.
Instead of being impressed by the talk, Babar remained calm and played a key role in Sydney Sixers’ successful chase against Sydney Thunder at the SCG. He completely destroyed the Thunder’s bowling attack and made a huge opening partnership of 141 runs with Steve Smith.
Babar played an important role in keeping the scoreboard running and managing the innings. While the Pakistan star scored 47 runs in 39 balls, Smith hit a century in 42 balls as the Sixers achieved the target of 190 runs in the BBL match with five wickets to spare in 18 overs.
Also read: Despite Steve Smith controversy, Babar Azam retained by Sydney Sixers for Brisbane Heat match
Awkward moment for Babar Azam before Steve Smith’s brutal attack
However, during the chase, there was another tense moment later in the innings. During the power surge phase, which allows the batting team to have only two fielders outside the circle for two overs after the 11th over, Smith frustrated Babar with his task of remaining on strike.
Smith refused to take an easy single in the 11th over and Babar was clearly disappointed by this decision as he was not trusted with the big hitting at the crucial stage. Even though the moment seemed awkward, the move worked out perfectly for the Sixers. In the very next over, Smith completely changed the course of the match.
The Australian batting superstar scored 32 runs by hitting four consecutive sixes off Ryan Hadlee. This became the most expensive over in the history of the Big Bash League and destroyed all chances of the Thunder’s comeback. With the win, the Sixers crushed the Thunder’s playoff hopes.