Peshawar Zalmi might face a major shake-up ahead of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), with reports suggesting that captain Babar Azam and star opener Saim Ayub could part ways with the franchise.
If confirmed, these departures would significantly affect Zalmi’s planning and balance as teams finalize strategies ahead of the player auction scheduled for January 30.
⚡ Impact on the Team
Both players have been key contributors for Zalmi in recent seasons:
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Babar Azam: Former Pakistan captain and prolific batter, he has scored thousands of runs in PSL, consistently anchoring the top order. In the 2025 season, Babar remained one of the top scorers for Zalmi, though slightly below his previous peaks.
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Saim Ayub: Left-handed opener with 974 runs in 40 PSL matches at a strike rate of 145.59, including eight half-centuries. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 14 wickets, making him a valuable multi-dimensional player.
The possible exits of these players could reshape Zalmi’s squad and open opportunities for new talent in the franchise.
🔍 Auction Speculation and Next Steps
Neither the players nor the franchise has officially confirmed the reports yet, but speculation is rising as the PSL 11 player auction approaches.
If Babar Azam and Saim Ayub do leave, Zalmi may need to rebuild its top-order and leadership core, creating one of the most talked-about storylines leading into PSL 11.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether the duo stays with the franchise or seeks new opportunities in the auction.
