Pakistan’s former captain and current Peshawar Zalmi skipper, Babar Azam, has responded to growing criticism of his form and strike rate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, stating that he prefers to answer through his on-field performance rather than engaging in verbal spats.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Babar acknowledged the inconsistent performance of his team, Peshawar Zalmi, so far in the tournament. “We started by trying to find a winning combination. We won a couple of matches, but we need to build consistency,” he said, adding that the team has lost games due to lapses in batting, bowling, and especially fielding.
“Strike Rate Debate Doesn’t Bother Me”
Addressing ongoing debates about his strike rate, Babar said, “People want to see me at the crease for longer periods. I enjoy my short innings too, but I haven’t been able to convert them into big scores as expected. I make mistakes, and I try to correct them, but sometimes new mistakes happen. That’s part of cricket.”
He stressed that he plays according to the situation and the team’s needs, not to prove anything to critics. “I don’t need to prove what kind of player I am. Everyone knows I always play for the team, not for personal milestones.”
On Batting Order Flexibility
Babar highlighted his adaptability across batting positions throughout his career. “I’ve played at nearly every position — I started at No. 6, played at No. 3, and opened as well. I never insisted on a specific spot. It’s always been about what the team requires, whether it’s Pakistan or my franchise.”
“Respect Over Rhetoric”
Responding to off-field criticism, Babar remarked, “I know how to speak, but I prefer to play on the ground rather than talk. Everyone can talk, but self-respect matters. My elders have taught me to respect everyone.”
On T20 Career and Selection
When asked about his place in Pakistan’s T20 setup, Babar said it is up to the selectors and coaches. “My job is to perform, whether it’s in T20s, ODIs, or Tests. Selection is beyond my control. We were told that we were being rested from T20s, so now let’s see what they decide.”
ODIs Still Special, PSL Still Premier
Babar dismissed the notion that T20 cricket is threatening the ODI format. “ODI cricket tests your patience. Even in this format, scores are going past 350. ODIs have always held a special place in my heart.”
Speaking about the Pakistan Super League, he praised the league’s competitiveness and bowling standards. “PSL is a world-class league. I don’t think its stature has dropped. Every team has fast bowlers clocking over 145 km/h. Foreign players are eager to participate.”
On Fan Expectations and Pressure
Babar admitted that fan expectations come with pressure. “People love me and want me to perform in front of them. It’s a blessing that wherever I go, fans cheer for me. When I hear chants of ‘Babar, Babar’ in the stadium, I feel grateful for the respect and love.”
The star batter emphasized that his focus remains unwavering. “Even when I was ranked number one, I was never satisfied. I always looked ahead and played for Pakistan.”
