Babar Azam has turned a new page in his career after leading Peshawar Zalmi to a long-awaited title in the Pakistan Super League 2026 season.
The victory holds added significance as it ended the franchise’s trophy drought since 2017 while also marking Babar’s first major T20 title as captain.
The 31-year-old batter was not just a leader on paper; he delivered with the bat when it mattered most. Finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 588 runs, Babar combined stability with intent, anchoring innings and accelerating when required.
His performances reflected a shift in approach, showing greater clarity and control compared to his recent outings on the international stage.
Before the PSL, Babar had been under pressure due to a prolonged lean phase. A lack of big scores, coupled with leadership changes in the national side, had raised questions about his form.
However, the latest season provided the perfect platform for him to reset mentally and technically. His timing looked sharper, and his ability to rotate strikes consistently helped him regain confidence.
What stands out now is Babar’s clear mindset going forward. Rather than limiting himself, he has reaffirmed his commitment to playing across all formats. He believes red-ball cricket remains essential for improving concentration and building long innings, qualities that strengthen performance in limited-overs formats as well.
This renewed outlook will soon be tested as Pakistan prepares for an upcoming Test assignment against Bangladesh. While Babar has not registered a Test century since 2022, his recent form suggests he is working towards breaking that phase.
The emphasis appears to be on patience, shot selection, and adapting to conditions, areas he has actively focused on improving.
Babar has also spoken about the importance of support systems during tough phases, highlighting the role of close mentors and personal reflection in his comeback. Instead of viewing his struggles negatively, he has treated them as learning opportunities.
With confidence restored and rhythm regained, Babar Azam now looks better equipped to contribute consistently. His performances in the PSL could well be the turning point Pakistan needed as they aim for stability and success across formats in the coming months.
