Babar Azam capped a dominant season by being named captain of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 Team of the Tournament, following his title-winning campaign with Peshawar Zalmi.
Babar leads Team of the Tournament after historic season
The Zalmi skipper guided his side to their second PSL title, ending a nine-year drought, and delivered one of the most consistent batting displays in the league’s history. Babar scored 588 runs in 11 innings, averaging 73.50, and claimed the Hanif Mohammad Cap as the leading run-scorer.
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He also matched Fakhar Zaman’s record for the joint-most runs in a single PSL edition, set in 2022. Babar struck two centuries in a span of four matches against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United, underlining his control at the top of the order.
The Team of the Tournament reflects Zalmi’s dominance, with three players included. Alongside Babar, Kusal Mendis earned a spot as wicketkeeper-batter after scoring 550 runs, including a century against Karachi Kings, while Sufiyan Muqeem sealed his place with 22 wickets at an average of 14.40.
Kingsmen and Qalandars stars also feature
Runners-up Hyderabad Kingsmen also placed three players in the XI. Usman Khan, who scored 389 runs with a century and three fifties, slotted into the middle order. Left-arm spinner Hassan Khan contributed both with bat and ball, scoring 139 runs at a strike rate of 195 and taking six wickets.
Emerging pacer Hunain Shah made a strong impact despite missing early matches. He picked up 17 wickets in 10 games and played a key role during the latter stages of the tournament.
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Two players from Lahore Qalandars also earned selection. Fakhar Zaman scored 401 runs in eight matches, finishing third on the run charts, while Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 16 wickets at an average of 18.18.
Shan Masood represented Multan Sultans after scoring 367 runs at a strike rate of 158.18, while Islamabad United contributed two players. Captain Shadab Khan impressed with 173 runs and 17 wickets, earning the Best All-Rounder award, while England pacer Richard Gleeson took 12 wickets with the new ball.
Quetta Gladiators’ Hasan Nawaz was named 12th player after scoring 291 runs.
Emerging stars highlight PSL’s future
The Emerging Team of the Tournament showcased rising local talent. Sameer Minhas led the group with 349 runs at a strike rate above 155, while Farhan Yousuf continued his breakout year after captaining Pakistan in the ICC U19 World Cup.
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Young pacer Ali Raza also earned recognition after claiming the only hat-trick of the season.
The HBL PSL 11 featured 44 matches played between March 26 and May 3 across Lahore and Karachi, reinforcing its status as one of the leading T20 leagues globally. Babar’s leadership and consistency stood out in a season marked by high-scoring contests and emerging talent.
