Ex-Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is gearing up for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which is set to kick off on from February 17.
The right-handed batting maestro has come under intense scrutiny lately for his underwhelming performances, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Babar Azam's batting struggles continue
Babar Azam has been struggling to regain his form since Asia Cup last year when, despite an impressive 151-run innings against Nepal, Pakistan faltered and exited the tournament at the Super Four stage, despite being touted as favorites.
His struggles persisted as both captain and batsman in the World Cup. Azam accumulated 320 runs across 9 matches, averaging 40 with a strike rate just above 80. Failing to shine in crucial moments of the tournament, he faced heavy criticism. Following Pakistan's failure to advance to the semifinals, Azam relinquished his captaincy across all three formats.
Babar Azam falls to unknown net bowler
Despite hopes for a resurgence after relinquishing captaincy duties, Babar Azam's struggles with the bat persisted during Pakistan's tour of Australia, comprising three Tests. Across six innings, he only managed to tally 126 runs at an average of 21. While he did string together three consecutive fifties in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, Pakistan found themselves on the losing end in all encounters.
The renowned batter is eager to excel in PSL 2024, aiming to recapture his peak form ahead of this year's T20 World Cup. Currently dedicated to training for the forthcoming competition, it remains uncertain how he will fare in the PSL. However, signs of potential confidence issues emerged as he was dismissed by a young spinner during net practice, encountering difficulties with a delivery that kept low, leaving Babar Azam completely deceived.
Furthermore, Babar Azam is set to captain Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2024. The Peshawar-based team will commence their campaign against Quetta Gladiators on Sunday.
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Stage is set for PSL 2024
The PSL 2024 is scheduled to commence with a clash between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 17. The tournament will culminate with the final match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on March 18.
Spanning across four cities - Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, the 2024 season will feature a total of 34 matches. Karachi will serve as the host for 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the final. Lahore and Rawalpindi will each host nine matches, while Multan will host five matches in the T20 league.
Umpteen Overseas Players to Skip PSL 2024
Various cricket boards are reassessing their decisions on granting no-objection certificates for players to partake in the PSL. Lungi Ngidi from South Africa has withdrawn from Peshawar Zalmi, while Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka will not be representing Quetta Gladiators.
Notable omissions from the tournament include West Indian cricketers Shai Hope, Matthew Forde, and Akeal Hosein; South Africans Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen; English batsman James Vince; and Afghan bowlers Noor Ahmed and Naveen ul Haq.
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