The controversy surrounding Babar Azam’s visible frustration after being denied a single by Steve Smith during a Big Bash League match has continued to simmer.

LAHORE: Pakistan have recalled senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to the national squad for the upcoming three match T20I series against Australia, selectors announced on Friday.

Babar Azam returns home early from BBL after a disappointing performance and prepares for upcoming national team commitments.

Smith went on to make a BBL record 32 runs during the next over but Babar was seething and stormed off the ground after getting out moments later. He refused to come out and shake hands after the game, and Sixers captain Moises Henriques said it took Babar a couple of days to cool down before he and Smith "kissed and made up".

Out-of-form Babar Azam has abruptly left the Sydney Sixers on the eve of their BBL grand final qualifier and days after a high-profile dummy spit with teammate Steve Smith. A press statement said the Sixers were only informed on Thursday the superstar opener was “required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp”.