Ahmed Shehzad Defends Babar Azam After PSL 10 Campaign
Shehzad's comments come as Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi vows to make major changes to the team, emphasizing the importance of unity among fans and the platform's role in launching national careers, with the team's consistent playoff streak coming to an end in PSL 10.
Former Pakistan Test opener Ahmed Shehzad has come to the defense of captain Babar Azam, criticizing those who blame him alone for Peshawar Zalmi's disappointing HBL PSL 10 campaign, emphasizing that cricket is a team game and the entire squad shares responsibility.
Peshawar Zalmi's campaign ended with a 26-run loss to Lahore Qalandars in a rain-shortened match, marking the end of their hopes of reaching the playoffs. The team had always reached the knockout stage in previous seasons but finished with four wins, six losses, and a net run-rate of -0.293 in PSL 10. Shehzad questioned why the burden of expectations always falls on Babar Azam, citing that cricket is a team game and the other 10 players on the team should also be held accountable for their performance.
Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has vowed to make "major changes" after his team missed the HBL PSL playoffs for the first time in the league's history. Afridi expressed disappointment over the team's performance and emphasized that the platform remains a launchpad for national careers. He plans to rebuild the team with grit and purpose, with new initiatives such as fan engagement, Fan Parks, and marketing campaigns.
The team's elimination from the PSL 10 marks a significant fall from their usual consistent performance, ending their campaign with 8 points and a negative net run-rate. Despite the disappointing campaign, Ahmed Shehzad's defense of Babar Azam highlights the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in cricket, and Peshawar Zalmi's owner Javed Afridi's plans to rebuild the team may bring new hope for the future.