New Delhi: Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has backed Steve Smith’s decision to deny Babar Azam a single during the Big Bash League (BBL), calling it a team-oriented move that should not be questioned by the Pakistan Cricket Board or cricket experts.
Speaking on the matter, Kaneria explained, “Decisions in a match are made according to the situation. In that particular game, Babar Azam was struggling to score runs, so Steve Smith chose not to take a single from him. There is nothing wrong with this. It was a decision taken in the best interest of the team. Also, Babar Azam is not Viv Richards to be immune from such decisions. There should be no controversy over this.”
Following the incident, Steve Smith went on to score 32 runs in the very next over and completed his century off 41 balls, leading his team to victory.
Kaneria also addressed the retired out decision involving Mohammad Rizwan during the match. “Such instances have happened before, including with Tilak Varma in the IPL. There is no need for controversy over this either. Teams make decisions based on match situations, and Pakistan’s cricket experts should avoid creating unnecessary debates.”
Several prominent Pakistani players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, participated in the 2025-26 Big Bash League. However, none were able to make a significant impact. Shaheen Afridi had to leave the tournament early due to an injury, while Shadab Khan returned to play in the T20 series against Sri Lanka. Babar, Rizwan, and Haris had ample opportunities but failed to capitalize. Both Babar and Rizwan faced criticism for their slow batting, while Haris Rauf was considered expensive in terms of runs conceded.
Statistically, Babar Azam scored 202 runs in 11 innings at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.6, with two half-centuries. Rizwan managed 187 runs in 10 innings at an average of 18.70 and a strike rate of 102.74, without any half-centuries.
Babar Azam will not feature in the Sydney Sixers’ challenger match as he has returned to Pakistan ahead of the game. It is believed that he was likely to be dropped from the playing eleven, prompting a dignified exit from the team.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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