Marcus Stoinis became the center of controversy during the 27th match of the Big Bash League 2025–26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after an on-field incident involving Babar Azam. Before Babar’s dismissal, Stoinis approached the batter and deliberately rubbed the cricket ball in front of him, a move that appeared intentional and heightened tensions. Shortly after, Stoinis delivered a full, straight ball angling back after pitching. Babar attempted to play across the line but closed the bat face too early, missing the ball as it struck his pads in line with the stumps.
The umpire raised his finger immediately, and Babar chose not to review the decision after a brief discussion with his partner Josh Philippe. Stoinis celebrated aggressively, reportedly saying, “See you later Babar! See you later, brother!” Babar was dismissed for 14 runs off 17 balls, extending a challenging BBL 2025–26 season where he has scored 145 runs in seven innings, including two half-centuries, with an average of 24.16 and a strike rate of 108.20, below his usual performance levels.
