Babar Azam Backed To Lead Pakistan Team After PSL Heroics

Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

Babar Azam has enjoyed an excellent season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). His performances played a key role in Peshawar Zalmi’s journey to the final, which happened for the first time in five years. 

As the team’s captain, he showed great control and confidence, and his batting remained consistent throughout the tournament. Notably, Babar Azam scored 588 runs in just 10 matches, maintaining an outstanding average of 84 along with a strong strike rate of 146.26. 

Babar Azam guides Peshawar Zalmi to win the PSL title

As a result, he finished as the top scorer of the tournament. He also scored two centuries, which added more value to his overall performance. 

Furthermore, he guided Peshawar Zalmi to win the PSL title, making the season even more memorable for him and his team.

Following this success, many fans started calling for his return as Pakistan’s national team captain. 

Social media has been filled with discussions supporting his comeback in a leadership role. His recent form, along with his experience, has made him a strong option in the eyes of many supporters.

Babar Azam's recent performance 

At the same time, his international form has not been very impressive in recent months. In the latest T20 World Cup, he scored only 91 runs in four innings. As a result, Pakistan could not reach the semifinals. In addition, his last Test century came in December 2022, showing a gap in big performances at the international level.

Even so, there is an opportunity ahead for him to improve. Pakistan are set to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting Friday. This series could give him the chance to regain form and confidence in international cricket.

Adil Rashid backs Babar Azam as captain

In a conversation with Beard Before Wicket, England cricketer Adil Rashid shared his thoughts on Babar Azam’s leadership chances. He mentioned that Babar may return to the team and could even open the batting.

Moreover, he stated that Pakistan are currently searching for a leader, and Babar stands as a strong candidate. 

"Yes, first he needs to get back into the team. I think if he does, he’ll open. As for the captaincy, he’s definitely in with a shout because Pakistan is looking for someone, and he’s just won the PSL. So I think he has a good chance. He’s well respected and has been around for 10 years. I think he might even become the captain, that’s my shout," Adil Rashid said. 

Also Read: Pakistan Players Who Might Have Sealed A Spot For Next T20 World Cup Because Of PSL 2026

Babar Azam's record as the Pakistan captain

There is strong discussion around Babar Azam’s return as captain after Peshawar Zalmi’s success. At the same time, his leadership journey has seen both achievements and challenges. Notably, he led Pakistan to the T20 World Cup final in 2022. However, there have also been early exits in important tournaments.

Notably, Babar stepped down as captain after Pakistan did not reach the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Later, he returned to lead the limited-overs teams. Even then, he resigned again in October 2024 after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.

Looking at his record, he captained Pakistan in 43 ODIs and won 26 of them, which gives a winning percentage of 60.46. In T20Is, he led the team in 85 matches and secured 43 wins, resulting in a winning percentage of 56.47.

Also Read: Rain Threatens DC Vs CSK IPL 2026 Match Washout As Delhi Weather Worsens