PSL 2026: Babar Azam's Leadership Central as Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United Prepare for New Campaign Peshawar Zalmi enter the PSL 2026 season with a mix of optimism and caution, following an uncharacteristic underperformance in 2025 that saw them finish fifth in the group stage. The team, historically one of the most consistent performers in the tournament, had never failed to reach the playoffs in its nine previous editions and had contested three consecutive finals from 2017 to 2019. This year, however, they face a revamped squad and a renewed focus on rebuilding their competitive edge. Captain Babar Azam, retained for PKR 70 million, remains at the helm, having led the team since joining in 2023. His leadership will be critical as Zalmi aim to bounce back from a 2025 campaign where he struggled, scoring only 288 runs—a personal low since the tournament’s inception. Zalmi’s squad includes a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, with Aaron Hardie, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Aamer Jamal forming their all-round core. The team’s strategy will likely depend on Hardie and Jamal’s ability to adapt to high-scoring conditions in Lahore, while Bracewell and Ahmed can exploit spin-friendly pitches in Karachi. The squad also features young Pakistan stars like Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza, and Farhan Yousaf, who impressed in the Under-19 World Cup and the National T20 Cup. Abdul Samad, who made his ODI debut earlier in 2026, and Sufiyan Muqeem add depth to their batting lineup. However, Zalmi face challenges, including potential absences due to international commitments. Three Bangladesh fast bowlers—Tanzid Hasan, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam—may leave the tournament midway for a white-ball series against New Zealand starting April 17.#babar_azam #psl_2026 #peshawar_zalmi #islamabad_united #abdur_rehman
