ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former opening batter, Ahmed Shehzad, has spoken out in support of Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam following the team’s elimination from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.
Zalmi’s campaign came to an end after a 26-run defeat to Lahore Qalandars in their final league match on Sunday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Taking to the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Shehzad defended Babar and questioned why expectations continue to rest solely on his shoulders.
“Yes, Babar Azam is out of form. Yes, his last fifty was a slow one. But why does all the pressure always fall on him? Cricket is a team sport. What are the other ten players doing? He was taking risks today, which was the right mindset. Where are the rest of the batters when it truly matters? Accountability shouldn’t be selective,” Shehzad posted.
Under Babar’s leadership, Peshawar Zalmi’s long-standing record of consistently reaching the playoffs came to a close with this defeat.
In a rain-affected must-win match, Zalmi were set a revised target of 150 in 13 overs but could only reach 123 for 8.
Knockout stage
This loss marks the end of one of the PSL’s most consistent campaigns. Since the league’s inception, Zalmi had never failed to make the knockout stage.
They won the title in 2017 under Darren Sammy and reached the final on four occasions.
For context, Zalmi wrapped up their 2025 PSL season with four wins and six defeats from ten matches, finishing on eight points with a net run-rate of -0.293.
Meanwhile, the playoff picture is set to become clearer following today’s clash between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United in Rawalpindi.
Quetta Gladiators will take on either Karachi Kings or Islamabad United in the first Qualifier on 21 May at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The winner will earn a direct place in the final of PSL 10.
