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  • Peshawar Zalmi Abandon Babar Azam Saim Ayub Before Psl Auction 6970Cce9ce4b17dc129f82c7

Peshawar Zalmi abandon Babar Azam, Saim Ayub before PSL auction

Anurag Dasgupta

Peshawar Zalmi likely to release Babar, Saim [Source: X] Peshawar Zalmi likely to release Babar, Saim [Source: X]

The PSL has ditched the draft system for the upcoming season and has shifted towards the players’ auction model as the league is set to revamp its style. All franchises have been asked to retain a set number of players, while others will directly enter the auction pool, and Babar Azam, and Saim Ayub could be one of them.

If the recent report is to be believed, then Peshawar Zalmi are likely to release the duo before the PSL auction takes place. According to journalist Abu Bakar Tarar, there is a disagreement between the parties (players and the franchise), and letting them go in the auction is the best possible decision.

Performance the reason for letting go Babar, Saim?

One possible reason for letting the two players go could be their performances for Zalmi in the PSL 2025 season. On flat Pakistan wickets, neither Babar nor Saim Ayub showed any intent and this affected the teams’ performance as the Peshawar side failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Babar played 10 matches and scored just 288 runs, at an average of 36, and a strike rate of just 128. On the other hand, his national teammate, Saim Ayub scored just 174 runs in ten matches, with a strike rate of 125.17.

This put pressure on the middle-order batters and this could possibly be one of the main reasons why the franchise may want to part ways with the two players. Interestingly, the franchise is still pondering upon keeping Babar in the squad, but reports mentioned that they are sure about releasing Saim Ayub.

Players Zalmi could be interested in keeping instead of Babar, Ayub

Under the new player auction model, franchises can now only retain up to 4 players, with one retention in each category (Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver). Hence, if the franchise has a choice to make to retain one player in the Platinum category, then Zalmi could retain Babar(if needed) or Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

From the Diamond category, there are three players placed in it, and the franchise could possibly retain their keeper-batter, Mohammad Haris. Hussain Talat has done well for the team and he might be retained ahead of the auction in the Gold category.

Sufiyan Muqeem, the mystery spinner has done well for the franchise as well, and Zalmi could be tempted to retain him ahead of the PSL auction. Reportedly, the teams are also allowed to retain players from the Emerging category.

How releasing Babar, Saim could benefit the franchise

Last season, everyone chipped in for the Peshawar side apart from Babar and Saim Ayub. If the franchise indeed decides to release them, then they can go after two hard-hitting batters at the top to fill in the loophole.

Both Babar and Saim struggled with their strike rates last season, and hence, the franchise can target hitters in the PSL auction to incorporate into their squad. While their middle-order is strong, the franchise needs explosive batters and the PSL auction provides them a chance to replace Babar, Saim with such players.