NEW DELHI: The controversy that erupted in the Big Bash League (BBL) after Steve Smith denied Babar Azam a single off the final ball of the 11th over during Sydney Sixers' chase against Sydney Thunder appears to have intensified, with Babar reportedly saying he felt "disrespected" by the move.

Smith, however, has justified his decision, by keeping the strike to maximise the Power Surge. The tactic paid off as he went hammer and tongs at Ryan Hadley, smashing four sixes in a row and plundering 32 runs from the over - the most ever in BBL history.

Introduced as a new feature in the BBL, the Power Surge gives the batting team the option to nominate a two-over phase at any time after the initial Powerplay, during which only two fielders are permitted outside the inner circle.

According to a report by Code Sports, the matter extended beyond the field of play, with Babar telling his Sydney Sixers teammates that he felt "disrespected" by Smith's decision to turn down the single during the match.

Babar was unable to hide his disappointment, venting his frustration after being dismissed by Nathan McAndrew off the very first ball of the 13th over. As he walked back to the pavilion, he smashed the boundary cushion with his bat in anger.

Smith breaks silence

Speaking to Channel 7, Smith said the decision was premeditated and driven by tactical match-ups, insisting it had nothing to do with emotion.

"We spoke at the ten-over mark and they, the captain and coach, said take the surge straightaway, I felt it was better to wait an over. I wanted to target the short boundary and didn"t want to mess up the first over. I backed myself to get around 30 off that over and we ended up with 32, so it worked out well."

"I'm not sure Babar was too happy with me knocking back that single," he added with a smile.

Akmal expresses displeasure

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal launched a scathing attack on Smith saying Smith 'disrespected' Babar with his gesture.

"This shouldn't have happened. I understand Smith hit a fast hundred. He could have told Babar before that the ball 'Don't take a single'. Not like this. This is a disrespect," Akmal said on YouTube.

"If Sydney Sixers aren't happy with Babar, drop him. Don't disrespect him like this. Make him sit out, only... But don't do this," he added.