[Watch] BBL 2025-26: Babar Azam’s Gesture Towards Steve Smith Puts Rift Rumours to Rest
Babar Azam’s gesture towards Steve Smith at the Gabba hints tensions have eased as Sydney Sixers fight for a BBL15 playoff spot.
The Sydney Sixers’ must-win clash against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba in BBL 2025/26 was not just about a playoff spot. It also carried fresh attention on the reported tension between Babar Azam and Steve Smith after their viral moment earlier this month.
The Sixers came into the game knowing defeat would end their season. Every run and every catch mattered, with finals qualification hanging in the balance against a strong Brisbane Heat side at home.
The backdrop was the Sydney derby on January 16 at the SCG, where Smith and Babar shared an awkward on-field moment. Smith had refused Babar an easy single late in the over, which visibly upset the Pakistan batter.
Babar’s frustration was clear as he walked off later, even striking the boundary cushions with his bat. The clip spread fast on social media and sparked talk of a disagreement inside the Sixers camp.
Reports after the match suggested the issue did not end on the field. It was said the discussion carried into the dressing room, creating a tense atmosphere among teammates at a crucial stage of the season.
Smith, however, backed his decision with the bat. He smashed a record 32 runs in a single over against Sydney Thunder and went on to help the Sixers chase down 190 in just 17.2 overs, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
That performance made Smith central to the Sixers’ late push, even as questions remained around his relationship with Babar heading into the final league game.
At the Gabba, there was a small but telling moment. Smith dropped a tough chance in the field, and Babar was quick to walk up to him, offering a few words and a tap of encouragement.
The gesture was picked up by cameras and fans alike. Many saw it as a clear sign that the earlier tension had eased and that both players were focused on the bigger goal.
With the stakes so high in BBL15, the Sixers could not afford internal distractions. Smith’s form and Babar’s role at the top were both key to their playoff push.
The moment at the Gabba suggested the focus had shifted back to cricket. Whatever happened in the Sydney derby appeared to be in the past, as the Sixers looked to finish their league campaign on a united note.
