Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam expressed gratitude after leading his side to the PSL trophy, calling the title win the result of years of hard work, patience and belief.
Speaking at a press conference after Peshawar Zalmi’s triumph, Babar Azam said the team had finally ended a long wait for the trophy.
“Thank God we have won the trophy. It was a long wait,” Babar said.
The Zalmi captain admitted that he was not fully satisfied with his batting during the tournament. “I could not deliver the expectations I had from myself in batting,” he said.
Babar added that he continued working on his game and tried to correct his mistakes throughout the campaign.
Babar credited his family and close circle for standing by him during the tournament. “My family and friends have been very supportive,” he said.
He added that his parents’ prayers had always been with him and played an important role in his journey. Babar also mentioned legendary batter Zaheer Abbas, saying he always encouraged him whenever they met.
Babar reflects on tournament performance
The Peshawar Zalmi captain said the overall performance remained positive and the tournament went well for him and his team. “Thank God the performance was good, the tournament also went well,” Babar said.
Talking about playing conditions, he said the pitches in Karachi were very good and more runs were being scored there. He also praised the role of the coaching staff, saying their purpose was to run the team in the best possible way.
Babar said Peshawar Zalmi’s foreign players and coaching staff enjoyed their time during the tournament.
“All the foreign players and coaches enjoyed it,” he said.
The skipper’s remarks highlighted the team environment that helped Zalmi stay together and perform consistently throughout the PSL season.
No celebration yet as Bangladesh tour awaits
Despite the trophy win, Babar said there was little time for celebration because of the upcoming Bangladesh tour. “It’s not time for celebration. The flight to Bangladesh is at 9am,” he said.
He added that the players would prepare as much as possible for the Test match against Bangladesh. “We will prepare as much as we get for the Test against Bangladesh,” Babar said.
After the title win, Babar Azam also shared an emotional message on X, celebrating Peshawar Zalmi’s success and reflecting on his personal journey.
“Alhamdulillah, we became champions. Hard work is never wasted,” Babar wrote.
He said he was proud of his team for standing together through every challenge. “So proud of my team, we stood together through everything. Hard work never goes unnoticed,” he added.
From ball boy to PSL champion
Babar also looked back at his early days in cricket, recalling how he once stood near the boundary as a ball boy and dreamed of such moments.
“I was once a ball picker, standing on the sidelines, dreaming of moments like this,” he said.
He added that the victory would mean even more if it inspired another young ball boy to pick up a bat and believe he could become a cricketer.
“If even one ball picker today picks up a bat tomorrow believing they can become a cricketer, then this victory means everything to me,” Babar said.
Babar expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout the journey. He thanked his family, Peshawar Zalmi management, friends and all those who stood by him every moment.
“Grateful to my family, Zalmi management, and my friends for always being in my corner, no matter what,” Babar said.
