BBL horror! Fire breaks out near Optus Stadium during Big Bash League Qualifier featuring Babar Azam, Steve Smith

Panic briefly spread outside the Optus Stadium in Perth during the high-voltage Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers Qualifier in the Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) after heavy smoke was seen rising near one of the stadium gates.

Heavy smoke erupts outside Optus Stadium during the BBL Qualifier

The scary moment happened while the Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers Qualifier was going on, around the 16th over. The thick smoke could be seen coming from just outside the stadium. Fans and officials quickly noticed the smoke, and concern grew as clips started circulating on social media.

Even the Big Bash League later shared a video of the incident on X, showing the smoke coming from just outside the Optus Stadium area. Security staff and stadium officials reacted immediately.

Several security personnel were seen rushing towards the affected area where the smoke was coming from to control the situation and make sure there was no panic among fans and players. It looks like the smoke has come from a small fire behind the stands, possibly involving glass or waste material.