Steve Smith’s audacious denial of a single to Babar Azam in the Big Bash League has found a vocal ally in Danish Kaneria, Pakistan’s ex-spinner. On January 23, speaking to IANS in New Delhi, Kaneria rubbished claims of unsportsmanlike conduct, framing it as a pragmatic team strategy amid Pakistan’s underwhelming league showing.
‘Context is king in cricket,’ Kaneria emphasized. ‘Babar was becalmed, so Smith vetoed the single. Spot on—pure team play. Babar isn’t Viv Richards; no one’s above the game’s demands.’ The payoff was swift: Smith’s 32-run over followed by a match-defining 41-ball century.
Kaneria extended his logic to Rizwan’s retired out fate. ‘Routine stuff, akin to Tilak Varma’s IPL saga. Pakistani commentators should focus on facts, not fiction.’
The BBL 2025-26 edition exposed frailties in Pakistan’s top talent pool. Babar, Rizwan, injured Shaheen, erratic Haris Rauf, and departing Shadab flopped collectively. Criticism mounted over pedestrian pacing from Babar and Rizwan, with Haris’ economy figures alarming.
Numbers don’t lie—Babar: 202 runs/11 inns, avg 22.44, SR 103.6 (2×50). Rizwan: 187/10 inns, avg 18.70, SR 102.74 (no 50s). Babar bowed out early from Sydney Sixers, dodging a Challenger snub.
Kaneria’s take reframes the narrative: in T20’s high-octane world, bold calls like Smith’s trump tradition. As Pakistan digests this BBL reality check, the focus shifts to revitalizing their batsmen’s aggression for upcoming internationals.