Marcus Stoinis sparked controversy during the 27th match of the Big Bash League 2025–26 due to his on-field incident with Babar Azam at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Before Babar Azam’s dismissal, Marcus walked up to Babar and deliberately rubbed the cricket ball in front of the batter. This action appeared intentional and set a confrontational tone, creating visible tension between the two players even before the delivery was bowled.
Moments later, Stoinis bowled a full, straight delivery that angled back in after pitching. Babar stepped forward to play across the line but closed the face of the bat too early, missing the ball as it struck him on the pads in line with the stumps.
Stoinis immediately appealed, and the umpire raised his finger without hesitation.
Babar had a brief discussion with his batting partner Josh Philippe about taking a review but decided against challenging the on-field decision.
As Babar Azam walked back to the dugout, Stoinis celebrated aggressively and was heard saying, “See you later Babar! See you later, brother!”
Babar was dismissed for 14 runs off 17 balls, continuing a difficult BBL 2025–26 campaign. In seven innings this season, he has managed 145 runs.
He has scored two half-centuries, but his average of 24.16 and strike rate of 108.20 reflect a performance well below his usual standards.
