Basit Ali Shares Concerns Over Babar Azam’s Form and Leadership in PSL 10
Karachi – Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed concerns over Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam’s recent performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.
Babar Azam, a key figure in Pakistan cricket and leader of the Zalmi side, has had a challenging start to the tournament. In the opening match against Quetta Gladiators, he was dismissed without scoring, and in the following fixture against Islamabad United, he managed just one run before being caught in the slips.
Peshawar Zalmi struggled to chase a daunting 244-run target in that match and ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 141 in 18.2 overs, leading to a 102-run defeat.
Speaking on ARY News’ cricket talk show “Har Lamha Purjosh,” Basit Ali remarked that the manner of Babar’s dismissals reflected a potential dip in confidence. “Being caught in the slips during a T20 match is rare and suggests a player is struggling mentally. This usually happens in longer formats like Tests or ODIs,” he explained.
Basit also raised questions regarding Babar’s tactical decisions during the matches, especially around bowling changes and batting order. He commented that some of the choices made on the field might not have served the team’s best interests. “If a bowler gives away just nine runs in an over, removing him doesn’t seem logical—especially when he is brought back later under pressure,” Basit said.
He further added that while a reshuffle in the batting order was a positive move, sending Babar to open in a high-pressure chase of 244 runs may not have been ideal. “The team needs impactful decisions in such situations,” he noted.
Despite the early setbacks, fans and analysts alike hope that Peshawar Zalmi will bounce back in the tournament. Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most accomplished cricketers, and a strong comeback could silence critics and reignite Zalmi’s campaign in PSL 10.
