Babar Azam Discusses Chances of Winning PSL 11 as Peshawar Zalmi Captain

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam said winning a trophy as captain has always been his big goal, as his side gets ready for the PSL 2026 final against Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Babar was made Pakistan’s white-ball captain in 2019. Since then, he has led the national team in six major events, including World Cups, but has not been able to secure a title.

Things have been similar for him in the PSL as well. Despite leading Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi since 2022, he is still searching for his first championship as captain.

Babar’s start as PSL captain was tough. Karachi Kings had a poor season in the seventh edition, finishing last after winning only one of their 10 league matches.

He later moved to the 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi, where things improved. Under his leadership, the team reached the playoffs in two of his three seasons, while they finished fifth in the 10th edition last year.

This season, though, Peshawar Zalmi have looked much stronger. They lost only one match in the league stage and secured a place in the final by beating three-time champions Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Qualifier.

Speaking about the chance of winning PSL 2026, Babar Azam said it is a great opportunity to lift the trophy, but he is not putting any extra pressure on himself.

"Every captain dreams of lifting the trophy, and I am no different. But the most important thing is to execute our plans, keep things simple and not let pressure take over," said Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam.

"This is a new match, a final, and it brings a different kind of pressure, so you have to be proactive and avoid overthinking. There is nothing different to do; we just have to play the same cricket we have been playing," added Babar Azam.

Babar then gave a firm reply to his critics, saying he does not pay much attention to unnecessary criticism, as it does not hold any ground.

"As for criticism, it will always be there, whether you perform or not — so I do not focus on it." concluded Babar Azam.