Ottis Gibson reveals plan to revive Babar Azam’s confidence ahead of PSL 2026 Ottis Gibson, head coach of Peshawar Zalmi, has publicly endorsed Babar Azam as the Pakistan batter prepares for the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026). Azam, who faced intense scrutiny after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, has been criticized for his slow strike rate and perceived lack of adaptation to modern cricketing trends. This led to his exclusion from Pakistan’s white-ball teams. Gibson, however, emphasized that Azam’s issues stem from external pressures rather than technical flaws. The coach attributed Azam’s struggles to the overwhelming negativity from social media, which he claims has eroded the player’s confidence. During an online interaction, Gibson stated that Azam does not require specific technical adjustments. Instead, the focus should be on shielding him from external criticism. “He is constantly criticized for not scoring enough runs, for his strike rate, and many other things. If he carries all that negativity onto the field, it will naturally affect his game,” Gibson said. Gibson urged Azam to “switch off the noise” and concentrate solely on preparation and practice. He highlighted the importance of mental resilience, advising the batter to embrace his role in the team and adapt to match situations. “He doesn’t need me to come and teach him how to bat—he already knows that,” the former West Indies coach added. The coach’s primary goal is to help Azam reconnect with the fearless mindset he displayed during his early career. Gibson believes that by rediscovering his passion and freshness, Azam can reclaim his status as a top-tier cricketer. “What he needs is to free himself from the mental burden and reconnect with the mindset he had as a young player making his debut.#t20_world_cup #babar_azam #psl_2026 #peshawar_zalmi #ottis_gibson
