Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam confirmed that he will continue playing all three international formats after winning the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 title. The right-handed batsman dismissed the ongoing debate about his T20 relevance with a candid statement during the post-match presentation.
In the final match held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday, May 3, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. The Babar Azam-led side chased down the target of 129 runs in 15.2 overs after Aaron Hardie took four wickets for just 27 runs. Peshawar Zalmi recorded their first PSL title since 2017.
key points
- Babar Azam confirms he will continue playing all formats
- Ended speculation over his T20I future
- Statement after PSL 2026 title win
- Finished as the leading run-scorer in the tournament
Will play in teenagers, be carefree – Babar Azam on his future
Babar Azam smiled as he addressed the media and answered questions about his international format preferences. The veteran batsman put an end to the ongoing speculations about his future and said that he is fully committed to playing in all formats.
“I will play in all three, don’t worry. It is towards three, don’t take tension…what you are trying to ask. [I’ll play all three formats, don’t worry. I’m available for all of them, so you don’t need to stress about it… I know what you’re trying to ask]”
Babar finished as the leading run-scorer in Pakistan Super League 2026. He scored 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.50 and a strike rate of 145.91, which included two centuries and three fifties.
You get a lot of experience from red ball – Babar Azam
Babar Azam talks about his approach to playing across all formats. He said that players should not focus only on white ball cricket. Babar said domestic red-ball matches build patience and help batsmen learn how to play long innings.
“Look, this player did not take a decision…the player’s job is to play. I think every player should play every cricket. Not just focus on the white ball or T20. With the red ball you get a lot of experience…you get patience…you get the experience of playing for a long time when you play four-day cricket or domestic cricket. So you should play three formats, and who helps you in each format.”
“[Look, it’s not really for the player to decide — a player’s job is to play. In my opinion, every cricketer should play all formats. It shouldn’t be about focusing only on white-ball or just T20 cricket. Red-ball cricket gives you a lot of experience… it builds patience… it teaches you how to play long innings, especially when you play four-day or domestic cricket. That’s why you should play all three formats — it helps you in every format]”
During the final against Hyderabad Kingsmen, Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bowl first. He was out on a golden duck in the very first over after being caught behind the wicket by Mohammad Ali.
Every player executed the plans – Babar Azam credits Peshawar Zalmi players and fans for the title win
Babar Azam expressed pride in the team’s effort throughout the tournament. Giving credit for the title win to the players and fans of Peshawar Zalmi, he said that everyone executed their plans well.
“This is a huge achievement for me, Peshawar Zalmi and all the fans,” Babar said. “We performed really well as a team throughout the tournament… every player executed the plans they were given.”
For Peshawar Zalmi, Aaron Hardy scored an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls in the chase. He made an 85-run partnership with Abdul Samad, who scored 48 runs in 34 balls before becoming the victim of Mohammad Ali. Farhan Yusuf scored the winning run in the 16th over.
FAQ
- Is Babar Azam leaving T20?
No, he confirmed that he will continue to play all formats. - Why was Babar Azam’s T20I future questioned?
Due to debate over his strike rate and role in the format. - What did Babar Azam say?
He said that he is available and committed for all three formats.
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