Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques has clarified that the on-field tension between Babar Azam and Steve Smith during a recent Big Bash League match was due to a ‘cultural misunderstanding.
Speaking to Australian media, Henriques said the issue took a few days to settle. He termed it a cultural misunderstanding rather than a personal dispute.
Henriques explained that holding strike in key moments is common in Australian cricket culture. He said the decision was purely tactical.
During the middle overs of the match, Smith chose not to take a single on the final ball of the 11th over. The decision allowed him to stay on strike for the power surge, where he went on to score a record 32 runs off an over bowled by Ryan Hadley.
When Babar later took strike at the start of the 13th over, he was outclassed on the first ball. He reacted angrily as he walked off and did not return to the field to mingle with teammates after the game.
Henriques explains the misunderstanding
Speaking on Fox Cricket, Henriques said, Pakistan batter Babar Azam was left “quite upset” after a moment involving Steven Smith during a Big Bash League match against Sydney Thunder, but believes the issue was the result of a cultural misunderstanding.
Henriques said that once the situation was explained, the issue was resolved. He added that he and Sixers coach Greg Shipperd spoke directly to Babar to understand his reaction. According to Henriques, Babar accepted the explanation, and the players moved on.
Smith’s stance on the issue
Smith also played down the incident, saying the two had spoken before the following match. He praised Babar’s batting and said they had built a solid partnership.
Babar was one of the biggest signings of the season, but has struggled with form. He has scored 202 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate just over 103.
His difficult run continued in the BBL Qualifier against Perth Scorchers, where he was dismissed for a duck while chasing a target of 148. The Sixers are focused on their finals campaign.
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