Steve Smith Denied Strike in PSL 2026, Sparking Comparisons to Viral Babar Azam BBL Incident

A mid-pitch disagreement between Multan Sultans batters Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has drawn intense fan scrutiny. During Sunday’s run chase against the Quetta Gladiators, Farhan refused Smith a single, leaving the Australian visibly frustrated at the non-striker’s end and triggering immediate comparisons to a controversial Big Bash League (BBL) moment involving Babar Azam earlier this year.

The PSL 2026 Incident

Chasing a target of 167, Smith looked aggressive early in his innings. Heading into the fourth over, he pushed the final delivery of the third over into a gap, aiming to retain the strike. Farhan turned down the run, prioritizing wicket preservation over strike rotation. The decision appeared rooted in match awareness, as the risky single carried a high probability of a run-out.

Comparisons to the BBL Power Surge

Fans quickly drew parallels to a January 2026 incident where Smith, playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, denied Babar Azam a single. However, cricket analysts note distinct tactical differences between the two events:

• PSL Risk Management: Farhan’s refusal was a defensive move to avoid a potential run-out early in the powerplay.
• BBL Tactical Aggression: Smith’s refusal against Babar occurred during the BBL ‘Power Surge’. Smith wanted to face the upcoming deliveries to exploit fielding restrictions.

In the BBL match, Babar was dismissed shortly after on 47 from 38 balls. Smith subsequently capitalized on his decision, scoring 32 runs in a single over, including four consecutive sixes.

Match Result: Multan Sultans Dominate

Despite the brief tension, the Multan Sultans batters maintained their composure to secure a decisive victory over the Gladiators. Smith anchored the chase with an efficient half-century, ensuring the team reached their target with plenty of deliveries remaining.

Match Summary

Top Performers

• Steve Smith: 53 runs off 35 balls
• Sahibzada Farhan: Supported the top-order chase