Will Babar Azam step away from any format? Pakistan star gives clear answer after PSL 2026

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam confirmed that he will continue to play all three international formats after winning the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 title. The right-handed batter dismissed ongoing debates about his T20 relevance with a clear statement during the post-match presentation.

Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the summit clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, May 3. The Babar Azam-led team chased the 129-run target in 15.2 overs after Aaron Hardie took four wickets for just 27 runs. Peshawar Zalmi recorded their first PSL title since 2017.

Key Points

• Babar Azam confirms he will continue playing all formats
• Ends speculation over his T20I future
• Statement comes after PSL 2026 title win
• Finished as leading run-scorer in tournament

Teenon Me Khelunga, Befikre Rahiye - Babar Azam On His Future

Babar Azam addressed the media with a smile and answered questions about his international format priorities. The ace batter said that he remains fully committed to playing all formats, putting an end to speculation about his future.

“Teenon me khelunga, befikre rahiye. Teenon ki taraf hai, aap tension na le..jo aap puchna chah rahe hai [I'll play all three formats, don't worry. I'm available for all of them, so you don't need to stress about it… I know what you're trying to ask]”

Babar finished as the leading run-scorer in the Pakistan Super League 2026. He scored 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.50 and a strike rate of 145.91, including two centuries and three fifties.

Red Ball Se Aapko Bahut Experience Milta Hai - Babar Azam

Babar Azam explained his approach to playing across formats. He said that players should not focus only on white-ball cricket. Babar added that domestic red-ball matches build patience and help batters learn how to play long innings.

“Dekhiye yeh player ne nahi decide karna..player ka kaam he khelna. Mere khyaal se har player ko, har cricket khelne chahiye. Yeh nahi ki sirf white ball par ya T20 par focus karna chahiye. Red ball se aapko bahut experience milta hai..aapme patienece aata hai..aapko lambe pariya khelne ka experience aata hai jab aap four-day khelte hai ya domestic cricket khelte hai. Isliye aapko teenon format khelna chahiye, aur who aapko har format me help karta hai."

"[Look, it's not really for the player to decide — a player's job is to play. In my opinion, every cricketer should play all formats. It shouldn't be about focusing only on white-ball or just T20 cricket. Red-ball cricket gives you a lot of experience… it builds patience… it teaches you how to play long innings, especially when you play four-day or domestic cricket. That's why you should play all three formats — it helps you in every format].”

During the final against Hyderabad Kingsmen, Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bowl first. He was dismissed for a golden duck in the chase, caught behind off Mohammad Ali in the first over.

Every Player Executed The Plans - Babar Azam Credits Peshawar Zalmi Players And Fans For Title Win

Babar Azam expressed pride in the team’s effort throughout the tournament. He credited the title win to the Peshawar Zalmi players and fans, saying everyone executed their plans well.

“It's a very big achievement for me, for Peshawar Zalmi and all the fans,” Babar said. “Throughout the tournament we've performed really well as a team… every player executed the plans they were given.”

Aaron Hardie led the chase with an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls for Peshawar Zalmi. He added an 85-run partnership with Abdul Samad, who scored 48 off 34 before falling to Mohammad Ali. Farhan Yousaf hit the winning runs in the 16th over.

FAQ

• Is Babar Azam quitting T20Is?
  No, he confirmed he will continue playing all formats.
• Why was Babar Azam’s T20I future questioned?
  Due to debates around his strike rate and role in the format.
• What did Babar Azam say?
  He said he is available for all three formats and remains committed.

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