An on-field incident during a Big Bash League (BBL) match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder has sparked significant debate, with former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali making an 'explosive remark' involving India's Virat Kohli. The controversy arose when Australian star Steve Smith denied his batting partner, Pakistan's Babar Azam, a single during the 11th over, a decision Smith later explained was tactical to maximize the Power Surge. Babar Azam was visibly frustrated by the denial and later showed his displeasure by hitting boundary cushions with his bat after being dismissed in the subsequent over. Reacting to the incident, Basit Ali, a former Pakistan international, controversially claimed that if it were Virat Kohli in Babar Azam's place, 'Steve Smith ka baap bhi single leta!' (Even Steve Smith's father would've taken the single). Ali's statement, made on a YouTube channel, criticized Azam for 'bringing his own value down with his game' and suggested that Kohli commands a level of respect that would prevent such a denial. Another former Pakistan wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal, also weighed in, calling Smith's action 'disrespectful' and suggesting such incidents should not occur. However, Steve Smith has since addressed the speculation of a rift, playing down the claims and stating that he and Babar Azam had resolved the issue and were seen chatting casually, even discussing golf, ahead of their next fixture. The incident and subsequent comments have generated widespread discussion across cricket media in India, Pakistan, and Australia.