LAHORE: The cricketing world has reacted to Babar Azam’s leadership after he guided Peshawar Zalmi to their second Pakistan Super League (PSL) title with a victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final at Gaddafi Stadium.
Among those congratulating Zalmi was Ahmed Shehzad, who praised the team’s overall performance. “Peshawar Zalmi are the champions of PSL 11! What an incredible journey and a truly dominant performance. From start to finish, they showed class, passion, and determination,” he wrote, adding, “Congratulations to Babar Azam on winning his first trophy.”
Peshawar Zalmi are the champions of PSL 11! 🏆 What an incredible journey and a truly dominant performance. From start to finish, they showed class, passion, and determination.
Congratulations to Babar Azam on winning his first trophy.💛
Kudos to the team and their fans, this…
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 3, 2026
Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed commended the Pakistan Cricket Board for successfully organising the tournament. “Delivering such a fantastic tournament under challenging circumstances is truly a great achievement. Special appreciation to Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi Sahab,” he said.
Congratulations to the Pakistan Cricket Board and PSL Management on the successful and outstanding season of PSL 11.
Delivering such a fantastic tournament under challenging circumstances is truly a great achievement. Special appreciation to Chairman Pakistan circket Board…
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) May 3, 2026
Legendary batter Younis Khan highlighted Zalmi’s consistency and leadership. “Congratulations to Peshawar Zalmi on winning PSL for the 2nd time. Incredible journey throughout the tournament and certainly the best team throughout, captained well by Babar Azam,” he noted.
Congratulations to @PeshawarZalmi on winning @thePSLt20 for the 2nd time. Incredible journey throughout the tournament and certainly the best team throughout, captained well by @babarazam258 🥇🏆 pic.twitter.com/BEZFolvZiD
— Younus Khan (@YounisK75) May 3, 2026
Meanwhile, former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez applauded the collective effort behind the title win. “Congratulations Peshawar Zalmi winning PSL 11. Javed Afridi, Babar Azam, Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Azhar Mahmood, Ottis Gibson & Muhammad Akram. Job well done,” he said.
Congratulations @PeshawarZalmi winning #PSL11 🏆 . @JAfridi10 @babarazam258 @captainmisbahpk @AzharAli_ @AzharMahmood11 Ottis Gibson & Muhammad Akram. Job well done 👍🏼👏🏼
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) May 3, 2026
In the final, Zalmi restricted Kingsmen to 129 in 18 overs despite a fighting 54 from Saim Ayub. Zalmi chased the target with five wickets in hand, thanks to an 85-run partnership between Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad, sealing victory with 28 balls remaining.
