A tense flashpoint between Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan during a Pakistan Super League match in 2026 quickly became a talking point, with social media users drawing parallels to an earlier, controversial moment involving Babar Azam. What lasted only a few seconds ended up reigniting debate about “strike management” in T20 cricket—and how quickly a tactical call can look personal in the heat of the chase.
PSL 2026: Smith’s rhythm versus Farhan’s refusal
On Sunday, in the Multan Sultans’ contest against the Quetta Gladiators, Smith appeared to be in fine touch. He was particularly intent on holding onto strike as the innings moved towards the fourth over, a period where batters often look to control the flow while fielding restrictions shape shot-making options.
The moment that grabbed attention came on the last delivery of the third over. Smith pushed for a single, but Farhan did not respond and stayed put. At the non-striker’s end, Smith’s reaction made his frustration clear, and the brief exchange was enough to spark a wave of online discussion.
- The incident happened on the final ball of the third over.
- Smith called for a run, but Farhan refused to take it.
- Smith showed clear frustration after the non-striker’s decision.
- Fans compared the episode to a previously discussed moment from earlier in 2026.
Earlier link: Smith denying Babar during the Big Bash “Power Surge”
The comparisons were rooted in a Big Bash League incident from January 2026. Back then, Smith was playing for the Sydney Sixers, and he denied Babar Azam a single during the “Power Surge” phase.
In that earlier situation, Smith’s thinking was tactical. The goal was to keep strike, taking advantage of the specific matchups and the fielding limitations that apply during that particular segment of the innings.
At the time, Babar was close to reaching a milestone—he had made 47 off 38 balls and looked set for his next big step. He appeared unhappy with the decision and was dismissed soon after. Smith then seized momentum in dramatic fashion, striking 32 runs in the very next over, including four consecutive sixes—an innings stretch that would go on to be remembered as one of the standout overs in BBL history.
- Date of the earlier incident: January 2026.
- Competition and team: Big Bash League, Sydney Sixers.
- Phase of the innings: “Power Surge”.
- Key context: Smith wanted to retain strike to maximise the advantage of restrictions.
- Babar’s form at the time: 47 off 38 balls, nearing his fifty.
- Reaction: Babar appeared unhappy with the call.
- After the denial: Babar was dismissed soon after.
- Smith’s response: 32 runs in the next over, including four straight sixes.
Were the PSL and BBL moments the same?
While many fans branded Farhan’s refusal as “revenge,” the two incidents were not portrayed as identical in intent. In the PSL case, Farhan’s choice looked more connected to match awareness—he likely considered the single too risky and worried it could end in a run-out.
By contrast, Smith’s earlier call against Babar was framed as a calculated attempt to keep strike during a crucial portion of the innings. In both cases, the on-field confusion lasted only briefly, but the outcomes and pressures around each decision were different.
Smith finishes the job as Multan chase 167
Even after the short misunderstanding in the middle, Smith did not lose his rhythm. He went on to anchor the chase with a composed knock of 53 off 35 deliveries, steering Multan Sultans towards a comfortable success.
Multan ultimately chased down 167 with more than two overs remaining, ensuring that the headline moment remained just that—a flashpoint in the wider story of a controlled chase.
- Smith’s innings: 53 off 35 balls.
- Target in the chase: 167.
- Result: Multan Sultans won comfortably.
- Margin in overs remaining: more than two overs to spare.
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