
Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam and batter Maaz Sadaqat in action during their match against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League season 10 at Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore, May 2, 2025. — PCB
#Irresponsible #decisions #cost #Zalmi #PSL
Rawalpindi: As Peshawar Zalmai is in capture of back -to -back strategic mistakes, the spotlight has turned rapidly to the team’s decisions, which can cost their importance in the ongoing PSL season.
The most important thing was that it was decided to bowl again in the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium against the Lahore Qalandars in a doe or dye encounter. But head coach Mohammad Ikram came forward in the full defense of his captain Babar Azam, insisting that the call was not remembered by Solo captaincy, but a collective.
Ikram criticized after the defeat, saying, “This decision was not just made by Babar. The whole think tank was involved, and we were all standing with it. The responsibility is shared.”
Despite the recent views – when Zalmai chose the first bowling against the Karachi Kings just one day with disappointing results – Team doubled the same tactic against Qalandar, which once again put inappropriate pressure on his batting lineup to chase down the lights.
The danger was not paid. Many cricket pundits believe that if they choose to bat first, Zalmi would have been in a strong position, exploiting Rawalpindi’s generally high score level. Even Akram indicated this possibility, yet the decision was made with consensus and strategic intention.
In an impressive defense of Babar Azam, Akram praised the restoration of his captain. “Babar has returned from his old words. His number speaks higher than any criticism. Whether in the PSL or in the international phase, his class in Whiteball Cricket is unparalleled. He was the top scorer for us last season, and although he faced a short dip in the form.
Describing Babar as a “luncheon of Zalmay Weapons”, Akram clarified the captain’s irreparable value on the squad, especially despite the growing pressure and media scrutiny. Turning the squad’s depth, Akram reflects the challenges facing Zalmi at the PSLX business end.
Each department was well covered. Unfortunately, after the mini-break, we lost important players-some of the national promises, others in the IPL. It affected our pace and restricted our powers in important sports.
When Mehran Mumtaz’s surprised mistake was quiz, a leftist spinner who had earlier performed well in Rawalpindi venue, Akram looked less convincing. “Sam Ayub and Mazar charities are already providing spin bowling options, fitting in another finger spinner was especially a challenge at this level.”
Nevertheless, fans and analysts are equally questioning the lack of opportunities given to the player of Mehran, especially when the spin has proved to be a game changing factor in the past. Akram also took a moment to thank Zalmai’s loyal fan base, whose support for the irrational support remains.
“It doesn’t matter that wherever we play – from Karachi to Lahore to Rawalpindi – our fans show in thousands of people. Their hobbies and loyalty give our players this extra pressure, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
He praised Javed Afridi, owner of Zalmai’s insight, who has long been the champion of youth development and sports promotion in Pakistan. “Javed Afridi has been the heartbeat of this right vote. His commitment to creating opportunities for young abilities has renovated the formation of cricketing landscape. We hope he keeps Zalmai and affect the next generation.”
When another tumultuous PSL campaign for the veil Zalmai begins to fall on the campaign, the team will now find itself a reflection of a confluence, flexibility, and perhaps, in the coming season to restore the strategy to truly use its ability to truly use it.
BCCI denies reports of withdrawal from ACC tournaments
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected its media reports, claiming that India has decided to withdraw from the emerging women’s emerging teams from the Asia Cup and the Men’s Asia Cup, which are both scheduled for this year.
According to Indian media, BCCI Secretary Diwit Sikia made it clear on Monday that no such decision has been made with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the withdrawal of any program and no formal dialogue has been made.
He made it clear, “From this morning, we have seen media reports that the BCCI has taken out of the Asia Cup and the emerging teams of women. These claims are baseless. The BCCI has neither discussed nor considered any such move,” he said.
He added that the current priority of the board is in the series of men and women coming against the Indian Premier League (IPL) and England.
He added, “Right now, our focus is on the IPL and is preparing for a visit to England. There has been no internal debate about the ACC events.” These speculations have appeared in the midst of tensions between India and Pakistan. Indian media reported this morning that the BCCI has decided to withdraw from the ACC incidents.
Some reports have even claimed that the BCCI has expressed its displeasure to participate in the tournament under the supervision of a Pakistani Home Minister – Pakistan Home Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohan Naqvi, who currently heads the ACC.
The Indian media quoted a senior BCCI official as saying, “The Indian team cannot participate in the tournament administered by the President of the ACC, which is a minister in the Pakistani government, which reflects the sentiments of the nation.”
It has also been reported that the BCCI had verbally informed the emerging teams of women scheduled in Sri Lanka about their intention to withdraw from the Asia Cup and will address the ACC tournament in the future after further consultation with the Indian government.
However, the BCCI secretary rejected the claims and emphasized that no formal decision has been taken on India’s participation in any incoming ACC incidents. He concluded, “Any debates or government decisions about ACC tournaments will be made properly. Until then, speculations in the media will not be considered credible.” It is important to note that India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, their competitions have been restricted to the ICC and ACC events. The last edition of the Asia Cup held in 2023 was made under a hybrid model.