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. Read More: Babar Azam Joins Elite List After Stunning PSL Final Victory 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. Read More: PSL 11 Final Prize Breakdown: How Much Cash Is at Stake? 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. Read More: Historic Century Puts Babar Azam at Top of PSL Records 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.
Babar Azam Joins Elite List After Stunning PSL Final Victory
Babar Azam led Peshawar Zalmi to a historic title win on Sunday, sealing his first trophy as captain in the Pakistan Super League and ending the franchise’s nine-year wait for glory. Babar breaks captaincy drought with Zalmi triumph Babar, who began his PSL captaincy stint in 2022 with Karachi Kings, finally lifted the title as Zalmi clinched their second championship. The franchise last won in 2017 under Darren Sammy. Read More: Historic Century Puts Babar Azam at Top of PSL Records The victory placed Babar among an elite group of PSL-winning captains, becoming the ninth overall and only the second in Zalmi’s history. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the list with three titles, while names like Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed also feature. Zalmi secured the title with a five-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in a high-stakes final at Gaddafi Stadium. Babar Azam had a great run this #HBLPSL11 as he is named best batter of the tournament 🏏#NewEra pic.twitter.com/FX4aVmMl2n— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 3, 2026 Babar’s decision to field first proved decisive. Zalmi bowled out Kingsmen for 129 in 18 overs despite a fighting half-century from Saim Ayub, who scored 54 off 50 balls with five fours and two sixes. Hardie and Samad seal memorable chase Chasing 130, Zalmi stumbled early and slipped to 40 for 4. However, an 85-run partnership between Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad turned the game. Samad scored 48 off 34 deliveries before his dismissal, while Hardie remained unbeaten on 56 off 39 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Zalmi reached the target with 28 balls to spare, completing a dominant finish. Read More: PSL 11 Final Prize Breakdown: How Much Cash Is at Stake? The win capped a remarkable season for Babar, who also dominated the batting charts. He collected 588 runs in 11 innings at an average of 73.50 and claimed the Hanif Mohammad Cap. His tally equaled Fakhar Zaman’s record for most runs in a single PSL edition. Muqeem shines as Zalmi dominate awards Zalmi’s success reflected in the individual awards as Sufiyan Muqeem emerged as the Player of the Tournament. The left-arm spinner took 22 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 14.40, earning the Fazal Mehmood Cap. “My individual performance was good, and so was the team’s,” Muqeem said. “I have worked very hard on my bowling. It was written in the stars for me to be named the best bowler, and I’m very happy with it. Individual awards are very important for a player.” Babar also secured the Best Batter of the Tournament award, underlining his dominance throughout the campaign. Read More: IPL Built for Entertainment Not Development, Muttiah Muralithan Other honors went to Shadab Khan, who won Best All-Rounder after scoring 173 runs and taking 17 wickets, and Kusal Mendis, named Best Wicketkeeper. Hunain Shah claimed Emerging Player of the Tournament, while Farhan Yousaf won Best Fielder. Zalmi’s title win and sweep of major awards highlighted their dominance in PSL 11, marking a defining moment in the franchise’s history.
Usman Tariq Hits Back with Confidence After Ashwin’s Remarks
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has responded firmly after India’s Ravichandran Ashwin supported Daryll Mitchell who stepped away during Tariq’s delivery in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, turning the moment into a wider talking point across the cricketing world. The incident took place during a PSL 2026 fixture when New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell moved away from the crease as Tariq approached the bowling mark. The moment quickly gained attention on social media, with several current and former players weighing in on the situation. Ashwin later commented on the incident, backing the batter’s decision and stating that players have the right to disengage if they feel uncomfortable during a bowler’s run-up. His remarks drew significant attention, given his stature in international cricket. Tariq responds with confidence Usman Tariq responded to Ashwin’s comments in a brief but pointed message on social media, writing “Keep it up,” a remark that has been widely interpreted as a confident and composed reply. The response quickly went viral, with fans praising the Pakistani spinner for his calm and assured stance. Many supporters viewed the reply as a strong message reflecting Tariq’s belief in his own game and approach. pic.twitter.com/dQxSGW0MJr— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) April 12, 2026 Tariq has been one of the emerging names in Pakistan cricket, gaining recognition through consistent performances in the PSL. His ability to maintain composure under pressure has been highlighted as one of his key strengths, especially in high-intensity T20 matches. Focus remains on performance Despite the attention surrounding the incident, Tariq’s performances on the field have remained the central focus. The spinner has continued to play a crucial role for his side, contributing with disciplined bowling spells and maintaining control during key phases of the game. Team officials and analysts have also pointed to his growing maturity, noting that handling high-profile moments with composure is a positive sign for any young cricketer. The PSL, known for producing competitive cricket and emerging talent, has often been a platform where players face global scrutiny. Tariq’s measured response and continued focus on his performance underline his intent to let his cricket speak louder than off-field discussions. As the tournament progresses, attention is likely to remain on Tariq, not only for his on-field contributions but also for the way he handles pressure and expectations in one of the world’s most watched T20 leagues.
