An interesting on-field moment in PSL 2026 has sparked debate among cricket fans, with many linking it to an earlier incident involving Babar Azam and Steve Smith in the Big Bash League.

During a recent PSL match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators on April 5, Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith—both playing for Multan—were involved in a situation that closely mirrored a past controversy. While chasing a target of 167, Smith was batting well and went on to score 53 runs, helping his team secure victory in just 17.3 overs.

However, the talking point came during Abrar Ahmed’s over, when Sahibzada Farhan reportedly refused to take a single, keeping Smith off strike. This moment quickly caught attention on social media, with fans suggesting it was a form of “revenge.”

A Throwback to the BBL Incident
The comparisons stem from a similar episode in January during the Big Bash League. At the time, Steve Smith had denied Babar Azam a single while both were playing for the Sydney Sixers. Smith’s decision was strategic—he wanted to retain strike ahead of the “Power Surge,” a rule that allows an additional two-over powerplay after the 11th over.

Smith’s move paid off as he capitalized on the Power Surge, but it visibly frustrated Babar Azam and became widely discussed among fans.

Coincidence or Intent?
Now, with Sahibzada Farhan doing something similar to Smith in the PSL, fans are drawing parallels and calling it poetic justice. However, there is no confirmation that the act was intentional or linked to the earlier incident.

In reality, such decisions are often tactical and depend on match situations rather than personal motives. Still, the coincidence has added an extra layer of intrigue and entertainment for cricket followers.