'Captaincy is a major issue for Peshawar Zalmi' - Babar Azam's leadership questioned in PSL 2024

Peshawar Zalmi might have registered their first win in PSL 2024 on Friday but questions over captain Babar Azam continue to linger.

The Babar Azam-led franchise lost both of their opening encounters in the campaign, and found themselves at the bottom of the table ahead of their game on Friday. 

Former Pakistan player and pundit Azhar Ali has raised question marks over Babar Azam's leadership at Peshawar Zalmi. This comes months after Babar was  removed as the skipper of the Pakistan Cricket Team.

While Babar is the top run-getter in the PSL history, he has not had the same plaudits for his captaincy. Even though Babar led Karachi Kings to a PSL title in 2020, his time as a captain of the Peshawar Zalmi has been forgetful. He joined the Zalmi franchise ahead of PSL 2023, and failed to lift the title last season. 

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What did Azhar Ali say about Babar Azam's captaincy for Peshawar Zalmi?

Talking to media outlet ASports, former Pakistan international, Azhar Ali criticised Babar Azam over his captaincy decisions. He compared Azam unfavourably to former Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy.

"Captaincy was Zalmi's advantage under Daren Sammy. Since the captaincy reigns have been handed over to Babar, things have changed. Babar is not able to utilise the resources picked by Peshawar Zalmi at the draft.

Ali criticised Babar's inability to demand a top-notch bowling unit from his franchise, heading into the PSL 2024 draft. He cited Multan Sultan's example and the ability of their bowlers to knock the opposition batters out at will. 

They do not have a match-winner bowler, and they have compromised on the bowling unit. Whenever you head into the draft with the mindset to win a trophy, you need to strengthen your bowling unit first. Babar as a captain, should have demanded some top-notch bowlers from his franchise, heading into the draft. You win tournaments on the back of a solid bowling line-up, like Multan Sultans. 

"Captaincy is a major issue for #PeshawarZalmi..." @AzharAli_ opines over #BabarAzam's captaincy.#ASportsHD #ThePavilion #HBLPSL9 #WasimAkram #MohammadHafeez #MisbahUlHaq #AzharAli #FakhareAlam #MSvPZ pic.twitter.com/ruY3nViZfA

— ASports (@asportstvpk) February 23, 2024

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What is Babar Azam's captaincy record in Pakistan Super League?

Babar Azam has an astonishing record as a captain in the PSL. His record does harm to his stature, because it is alarming. Azam has captained his franchise on 24 attempts in the PSL, managing to win only six matches for his side. His franchise has had to accepted defeat on 18 occasions.