After leading Peshawar Zalmi to victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, captain Babar Azam has dismissed any notion of restricting his involvement to specific cricket formats. During the post-match press conference following Zalmi’s triumph over Hyderabad Kingsmen, Babar emphatically stated his commitment to playing all three formats of the game, emphasizing that it is not up to players to choose which formats to skip but rather to fulfill their duty of playing.
Babar highlighted the significance of red-ball cricket in honing batting skills, citing its role in fostering patience, temperament, and the ability to construct substantial innings, qualities that are beneficial across different formats of the game. He advocated for players participating in all forms of cricket, underscoring the invaluable experience and lessons gained from red-ball cricket that transcend to white-ball cricket.
Reflecting on Zalmi’s championship victory, Babar expressed satisfaction, noting that success can come at varying speeds in sports. Despite his exceptional performance in PSL 11, where he amassed 588 runs in 11 matches and secured the top scorer position, including being the sole player to achieve two centuries, Babar remarked that he fell short of his personal batting expectations during the tournament.
Acknowledging the support from his family, friends, and coaches in overcoming challenges post the T20 World Cup, Babar revealed his focus on rectifying errors, refining his technique, and reverting to his natural playing style in the brief preparation period leading up to the PSL.
“My aim for this PSL was simple: to exhibit my natural game and adhere to my cricketing shots,” Babar stated, emphasizing his dedication to staying true to his strengths on the field.
