Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United are set to face significant challenges in the upcoming PSL season, with both teams undergoing transformations after mixed performances in previous editions.
Babar Azam Shines for Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi enters this PSL edition following a disappointing campaign in 2025, finishing in the group stage for the first time. Historically, Zalmi has been a strong contender, making it to the playoffs in all nine previous editions and winning the title in 2017.
- Captain: Babar Azam
- Retained Salary: PKR 70 million
- Best Result: Champions (2017)
- 2025 Finish: Fifth
Squad Changes and Strengths
The team has revamped its squad significantly while retaining Babar Azam as captain. Key signings include Aaron Hardie, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Aamer Jamal, enhancing their all-rounder capabilities. This strong core can adapt their strategy according to venue conditions, whether high-scoring tracks or spin-friendly pitches.
Young talents like Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza have recently shown promise, especially during the Under-19 World Cup. Furthermore, Farhan Yousaf, the captain of the Under-19 team, delivered commendable performances in the National T20 Cup. Other promising players include Abdul Samad, who made his ODI debut recently, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Despite the strengths, Zalmi’s batting heavily relies on Babar Azam. He had a lackluster 2025 season, scoring only 288 runs, his lowest since the inaugural PSL season. Additionally, the team’s fast bowling lineup faces uncertainty as three of their players, Tanzid Hasan, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam, may leave for a series against New Zealand starting April 17.
Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim under Pressure for Islamabad United
Islamabad United, under the leadership of Shadab Khan, aims to bounce back after struggling mid-season. They started strong in 2025, winning their first five matches but ultimately faced four consecutive losses, finishing second in the group stage before falling short in the qualifiers.
- Best Result: Champions (2016, 2018, 2024)
- 2025 Finish: Qualifier 2
- Most Wins in PSL History: 61
- Best Win-Loss Ratio: 1.22
Strengths of United’s Squad
The team boasts a versatile pace attack featuring Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad, Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faheem Ashraf. All five bowlers can effectively handle both new and old balls, with Ashraf returning to offer additional batting strength and fast-bowling options.
Challenges Ahead
However, United’s spin department appears weak. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim have not played competitive cricket since January. This, coupled with the departure of last season’s top scorer Sahibzada Farhan and others, presents a challenge in reshaping their batting lineup to fit a more aggressive playing style.
As both teams gear up for this PSL season, the focus will be on navigating their respective pressures while aiming for success on the field.
