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Babar Azam after Peshawar vs Multan in PSL 2026. PC - x.com/@ahtashamriaz22
Another day, another controversy has emerged from the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026). This time, a shameful act by Babar Azam has brought the Pakistan league into disrepute, as the Peshawar Zalmi captain has mocked his colleagues Iftikhar Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq.
On Monday, Peshawar Zalmi outsmarted the Multan Sultans to stay at the top of the points table, with five victories in six outings. They have yet to lose in the PSL 2026 after their match vs Islamabad United was washed out by rain.
In the previous fixture, Peshawar posted a mammoth total of 196/6, thanks to the in-form Kusal Mendis, who smacked a 40-ball 68. Later in the defence, leggie Sufiyan Muqeem and Nahid Rana let the Zalmi restrict the opposition by 24 runs.
Babar age-shames colleagues with '100 years of experience' comments
In the post-game presentation, the Peshawar Zalmi skipper, Babar Azam, spoke at length about the team combination, Kusal Mendis' contribution, and the think tank's ability to read pitches accurately.
"To be honest, in the first six overs, it felt like the pitch was very good for batting. After playing a few overs, I thought the score could go to around 180-200. But later, the ball started holding a bit, and spinners got some help," Babar Azam said while defending 196 runs.
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Further, during the post-game presentation, the 31-year-old batter age-shamed Peshawar's head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, and, in particular, his teammate, Iftikhar Ahmed, by stating that he has 100 years of experience with the two in his ranks.
"I don’t worry much about the pitch. We have more than 100 years of experience in Misbah and Iftikhar to judge in a better way," Babar Azam said while age-shaming his two colleagues at the Zalmi.
Watch: Babar Azam makes fun of Iftikhar Ahmed & Misbah ul Haq
Why is Iftikhar Ahmed known as Chacha?
Although Babar Azam's comments came in an amusing manner, as Iftikhar Ahmed is nicknamed Chacha (Uncle), it may have offended the explosive middle-order batter and his fans.
Iftikhar was nicknamed Chacha back by Babar himself back in 2023, when the former showcased his sharp cricketing awareness while predicting a wicket during a Pakistan vs Zimbabwe match. Having said that, it is not the only reason behind Iftikhar's name. He is allegedly called by the name as an age-shaming comment.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old cricketer is not a fan of his nickname, which he has revealed on multiple occasions.
Iftikhar Ahmed's performances in PSL 2026
Iftikhar Ahmed hasn't been getting much time at the crease, due to the strong top and middle-order that Peshawar Zalmi possess. However, in the limited opportunities he has had, Iftikhar has finished off the games.
Batting at six, the swashbuckling batter has got just three outings, where he has hit 32 runs at a strike rate of 168.42, getting dismissed just once. Meanwhile, the handy off-spinner has been a game-changer with the ball, snapping 9 wickets in four innings at a strike rate of 8, with an economy rate just over 6.
Iftikhar, who last played for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, will eventually be recalled to the national team if he continues to perform so well in the PSL 2026.
Nevertheless, the Peshawar Zalmi will next be seen in action against the Quetta Gladiators on Wednesday.
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