Babar, Mendis Eye Fakhar’s PSL Milestone Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis are on a historic trajectory in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), with their combined efforts threatening to break the record set by Fakhar Zaman. As of May 17, 2025, Mendis leads the individual run tally with 413, while Babar trails closely at 401, creating a significant gap between them and the rest of the competition. Their dominance has propelled Zalmi to the top of the points table, with 15 points from eight matches, and has sparked intense speculation about whether they can surpass Fakhar’s 588-run milestone from the 2021-22 season. Fakhar’s record, achieved during his tenure with Lahore Qalandars, remains a benchmark for batting excellence in the PSL. However, Zalmi’s near-certain qualification for the playoffs suggests at least five more matches are in store, providing the duo with ample opportunity to rewrite history. Babar, in particular, has entered a purple patch, averaging over 100 runs per innings, a testament to his composure and ability to deliver under pressure. Mendis, though slightly behind in average at just under 60, has been equally destructive, combining power with precision to dismantle opposition defenses. Their partnership has also contributed to Zalmi’s success, with the pair accumulating 557 runs together, including three century partnerships. This places them in contention for the highest partnership total in a single PSL season, currently held by Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan at 695. Meanwhile, the bowling department is witnessing its own battles, with Sufiyan Muqeem leading the wicket-taking charts at 17 scalps. Muqeem is on the verge of breaking Hasan Ali’s 25-wicket record, which has stood since the 2017-18 season.#babar_azam #fakhar_zaman #peshawar_zalmi #kusal_mendis #hbl_pakistan_super_league
Fakhar Zaman's 36th Birthday Honored by PCB with Career Retrospective Lahore (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman celebrated his 36th birthday on Friday with a heartfelt tribute from fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which highlighted his record-breaking career, iconic performances, and lasting influence on the sport. The occasion marked a moment to reflect on his journey from a promising naval officer to one of Pakistan’s most explosive openers. Known for his fearless strokeplay and ability to dominate bowling attacks, Zaman’s career milestones were showcased through a specially curated reel that emphasized his most memorable innings. The PCB’s tribute included a heartfelt message from Zaman himself, who expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes and the floral gesture from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “Thank you very much, Chairman @MohsinnaqviC42 Sb for such a wonderful gesture. Your kind birthday wishes and the beautiful flowers truly meant a lot. Grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness,” Zaman tweeted, sharing a photo of the flowers. Zaman, affectionately nicknamed “Fauji” due to his early days in the Pakistan Navy before transitioning to professional cricket in 2013, has carved a reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic openers. Over the years, he has accumulated 6,547 international runs across formats, a testament to his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. His career highlights include a record-breaking unbeaten 210 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), which remains Pakistan’s highest individual score in the format. This innings, played during a crucial match, solidified his place in the record books and demonstrated his capacity to perform in high-stakes scenarios.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #fakhar_zaman #mohsin_naqvi #lahore
Fakhar Zaman Thanks PCB Chairman for Birthday Gesture as Suspension Ends Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman expressed gratitude to Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), for a birthday message and bouquet sent during his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The gesture came as Zaman prepared to return to competitive action following a two-match suspension imposed by the PCB. The suspension, a Level 3 offense under the PCB Code of Conduct, was linked to allegations of ball-tampering during the PSL tournament. Zaman had contested the decision, requesting a full hearing under league regulations. However, the disciplinary panel reviewed the evidence and upheld the ban, citing the seriousness of the alleged misconduct. As a result, the Lahore Qalandars player missed matches against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. With the suspension period completed, Zaman is now eligible for selection in Lahore Qalandars’ next fixture against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium. His return is expected to bolster the defending champions’ batting lineup as the PSL progresses. The 32-year-old opener, known for his consistency in white-ball cricket, has represented Pakistan in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) over the years. The PCB’s decision to acknowledge Zaman’s birthday during his suspension highlights the board’s efforts to maintain a balance between disciplinary action and player engagement. While the incident underscores the strict enforcement of conduct rules in professional cricket, it also reflects the personal connections that often exist within the sport’s administrative and playing communities. Zaman’s potential inclusion in the upcoming match will be a key moment for Lahore Qalandars, who aim to retain their PSL title.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #lahore_qalandars #fakhar_zaman #mohsin_naqvi
Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen, 1st Match, Pakistan Super League 2026 Fakhar Zaman delivered a standout performance for Lahore Qalandars in their opening match of the Pakistan Super League 2026, showcasing his batting prowess with a composed innings. The match, played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 26, saw Zaman score 53 runs off 39 balls, including 10 fours, as his team chased a competitive total. His innings was marked by a blend of aggressive shots and calculated placement, with key contributions coming from both powerplay and middle overs. Zaman’s innings began with a series of well-executed shots, including a slog sweep that fetched him a boundary early on. He faced challenges from both fast and spin bowlers, but his ability to read the line and length allowed him to rotate the strike effectively. A notable moment came in the Powerplay when he smashed a full toss outside off-stump for a boundary, showcasing his strength on the leg side. Later, he demonstrated composure by defending a delivery that turned into his pads, ensuring the strike remained with him. The innings was punctuated by moments of tension, including a run-out incident involving Abdullah Shafique. A mix-up in the middle led to Shafique being run out by a quick throw from the keeper, highlighting the high stakes of the match. Despite this, Zaman remained focused, continuing to build partnerships and keep his team in the hunt. In the later stages, Zaman’s ability to rotate the strike and find gaps in the field proved crucial. He hit a boundary off Mohammad Ali’s delivery, which was a well-timed pull through the leg side, and later smashed a flatter ball off the pads for another boundary.#gaddafi_stadium #lahore_qalandars #fakhar_zaman #hyderabad_kingsmen #pakistan_super_league_2026
For breaking Virat Kohli's record, Pakistan batter named ICC Player of the Month Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026 after a standout performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. His achievement came after surpassing a long-standing record set by Virat Kohli, who previously held the mark for most runs in a single edition of the tournament. Farhan finished as the highest run-scorer with 383 runs in seven matches (six innings) at an average of 76.60. His performance included two centuries and two half-centuries, achieved at a strike rate of 160.25. This surpassed Kohli’s previous record of 319 runs in the 2014 edition. Farhan’s dominance was further highlighted by his inclusion in the ICC Team of the Tournament. His efforts also saw him become the first batter to score two centuries in a single men’s T20 World Cup, achieving the milestone against Namibia and Sri Lanka. He formed a record 176-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman, the highest for any wicket in T20 internationals. The award marks Farhan’s first ICC Player of the Month honor, making him the first Pakistan batter to win the accolade since Haris Rauf in November 2024. Speaking about the recognition, Farhan expressed his gratitude and pride, emphasizing the significance of the achievement. “It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” he said. He also acknowledged his teammates’ support, stating that their belief in him was crucial to his success. Farhan’s campaign at the World Cup not only solidified his status as a top performer but also positioned him as a key player for Pakistan’s future challenges.#virat_kohli #sahibzada_farhan #fakhar_zaman #icc_player_of_the_month #icc_team_of_the_tournament
Reason behind Babar’s exclusion from Bangladesh ODIs revealed Babar Azam’s absence from the national squad for the Bangladesh tour has been attributed to fitness concerns. The senior batter was not selected due to his poor performance in the World Cup, which raised questions about his readiness for international cricket. Later, he refused to participate in the National T20 Cup, citing leg pain. A PCB doctor, Javed Mughal, examined his injury and found it to be serious, prompting treatment. The selection committee initially excluded Babar from the Bangladesh tour squad, but coach Mike Hesson later stated that the decision was not a drop but a rest to give opportunities to younger players. Selector Aaqib Javed clarified that Babar’s exclusion was due to fitness issues, adding that Fakhar Zaman also faced similar problems. Both players were reportedly not fully fit after the World Cup, yet they were included in the squad based on clearance reports from team physio Cliff Deacon. Confusion arose from conflicting statements, with sources claiming Babar and Fakhar played in the T20 World Cup despite incomplete fitness, which impacted their performance. The selectors were unaware of their condition, leading to the decision to rest them. When the National T20 Cup approached, Babar declined participation due to leg pain, but his injury was found to be more severe than initially thought. Fakhar’s fitness issues also raised questions about how he was included in the World Cup squad. PCB officials are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the players’ fitness status. Additional concerns have emerged about the fitness of younger players, including Mohammad Rizwan, who was not fully fit during the Bangladesh tour.#babar_azam #mike_hesson #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed #javed_mughal
Fakhar Zaman breaks silence on fitness concerns, responds to selector's claims of playing T20 WC with injury Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman addressed claims made by selector Aaqib Javed regarding his fitness during the T20 World Cup, confirming he had sustained an injury that affected his ability to participate in 50-over matches. Zaman had previously sought an inquiry from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into the matter, which Javed had raised during a press conference. The selector alleged that the selection committee was unaware of Zaman’s injury and called for an investigation. However, Zaman’s admission came after a social media backlash against Javed following the southpaw’s impressive catch in the National T20 Cup. In a response to a tweet, Zaman acknowledged his injury and clarified that he was not fully fit to play 50-over games. He stated that he only participated in the National T20 Cup after passing fitness tests on March 15, 2026. “I was not 100% fit to play 50-over games. In that case, Aqib Javed was right. I’m playing these games after clearing the fitness tests on the 15th,” Zaman wrote on X. His comments appeared to validate Javed’s claims while also emphasizing his commitment to returning to competitive cricket. Zaman’s fitness journey has now progressed to the next stage, with the cricketer set to join the Pakistan Super League (PSL) starting March 26, 2026. Before that, he will compete in the final of the National T20 Cup on March 18, 2026, against Karachi Region Whites at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar. In his recent appearance, Zaman scored a duck in the semifinal against Lahore Region Blues and did not get a chance to bat as the match ended in a no-result.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed #national_t20_cup
Pakistan's cricket board is investigating concerns about the fitness of key players Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman ahead of the T20 World Cup, according to sources. Senior selector Aaqib Javed and the board's medical panel raised alarms about their readiness for the tournament, prompting the PCB to review the selection process. The issue comes as Pakistan prepares for the high-stakes competition, with fitness being a critical factor in team performance. The PCB's medical team has been scrutinizing the players' physical condition, with reports suggesting that both Azam and Zaman may not have been fully prepared for the demands of the tournament. This has led to questions about the decision-making process behind their inclusion in the squad. The board is expected to conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether the players' fitness levels were adequately evaluated before finalizing the team. Aaqib Javed, a prominent figure in Pakistan's cricket selection process, has been vocal about the importance of prioritizing player health over other considerations. His comments highlight the growing emphasis on ensuring that athletes are in peak condition for international competitions. The PCB's medical panel has also emphasized the need for rigorous fitness checks to prevent injuries and maintain team performance throughout the tournament. The situation has sparked discussions about the balance between competitive selection and player welfare. While the PCB has not officially commented on the matter, the investigation underscores the board's commitment to addressing any potential gaps in its preparation strategy. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that Pakistan's squad is both fit and ready to compete at the highest level.#t20_world_cup #babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed
