A surge of online criticism has targeted Steve Smith’s Instagram following a tense on-field incident involving Babar Azam during a Big Bash League match, which angered a segment of Pakistani fans. The reaction began after a Sydney Sixers game in which Smith declined a quick single, leaving Babar visibly frustrated at the non-striker’s end.
Many supporters online claimed that the decision broke Babar’s momentum and prevented him from reaching a personal milestone. The situation appeared to escalate moments later when Babar was dismissed on the very first ball of the next over, attempting an aggressive shot that resulted in him being bowled. Clearly disappointed, Babar walked back to the pavilion and was seen striking the boundary cushion with his bat, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
As clips of the incident spread, Smith’s social media accounts, particularly Instagram, were inundated with hostile comments and taunts. Some users posted insulting remarks, including statements like “Babar is your father,” while others revived references to Smith’s 2018 ball-tampering controversy. At present, comment sections under Smith’s recent posts continue to be dominated by messages from angry fans.
This is not the first instance of Babar Azam’s supporters targeting Australian cricketers online during the current Big Bash League season. Earlier, Marcus Stoinis experienced a similar wave of online backlash after an on-field exchange with Babar in a Melbourne Stars versus Sydney Sixers match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Following that encounter, Stoinis’s Instagram posts were reportedly flooded with comments praising Babar, with some fans sharing screenshots suggesting certain posts received more comments than likes. That reaction was sparked after Stoinis repeatedly tried to unsettle Babar during his innings and then celebrated emphatically after dismissing him. He was also heard making remarks along the lines of “See you later, Babar,” which further fueled the online response.
These incidents highlight how on-field moments in high-profile leagues can quickly spill over onto social media, often intensifying fan emotions and leading to online harassment of players.
Also Read: Big Bash 2026: Babar Azam Hits First Fifty for Sixers
