Babar retained, Steve Smith in PSL and Sundar injury– February 3 Cricket highlights

Babar Azam and Washington Sundar [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x, AFP]

Babar Azam has been retained by the Peshawar Zalmi franchise for the upcoming PSL 2026 season. Steve Smith was roped in by the Sialkot Stallionz franchise via a direct deal. In other news, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar is set to miss the upcoming warm-up match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against South Africa.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Tuesday, February 3.

Babar Azam retained by Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 2026

Senior Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been retained by the Peshawar Zalmi franchise for the upcoming PSL 2026 season. The cricketer was retained under the Platinum category ahead of the PSL 2026 auction event next week.

Babar Azam has been a part of the Peshawar Zalmi franchise since the 2023 edition of the tournament. Notably, the legendary right-handed batter recently underwent a forgettable BBL 2025-26 season for the Sydney Sixers in Australia, aggregating just 202 runs at a dismal average of 22.44.

Steve Smith joins Sialkot Stallionz for PSL 2026

Former Australia captain Steve Smith has joined the Sialkot Stallionz franchise for the upcoming PSL 2026 season. It is worth noting that Stallionz is one of the two new franchises added to the PSL roaster alongside Hyderabad. The cricketer was roped in through a direct deal, making Smith one of the biggest overseas names to ever join the PSL without going through the auction process.

Steve Smith recently turned up for the Sydney Sixers alongside Babar Azam, where he listed 299 runs in just six innings at a splendid average of 59.80 and with a strike rate of 167.97.

PSL 2026 media rights not to be sold in India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to not sell the PSL 2026 broadcast and media rights in India. Notably, the Sony Sports network acquired the media rights for the PSL 2025 season last year in a deal that also comprised Pakistan’s several home international fixtures against teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Africa and other visiting nations.

PCB’s latest decision of depriving Indian fans of PSL 2026 action comes in the aftermath of the Pakistan team pulling out of their 2026 T20 World Cup match against India on political grounds.

Washington Sundar to miss SA warm-up, still at CoE

Injured Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar will reportedly miss India’s upcoming warm-up match against South Africa on February 4. As reported by sports journalist Abhishek Tripathi, the cricketer is still recovering at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru and is far from receiving a green light for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this week.

Washington Sundar will undergo a fitness test on February 4, where the doctors will assess his condition before deciding his fate for the showpiece event.

Thomas Rew tons up to take ENG U19 into final

England U19 thumped Australia by 27 runs in the first semifinal of the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup in Bulawayo. Captain Thomas Rew came to the fore with a majestic century, scoring 110 runs off 107 balls as England charted 277-7 in 50 overs.

In response, Australia captain Oliver Peake also cracked an electrifying 88-ball 100, but lack of assistance from others prompted the defending champions to get knocked over for just 250. Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Lumsden and Ralphie Albert all picked up two wickets each in the innings. England U19 will now face either India or Afghanistan in the final of the tournament.