Peshawar Zalmi defeated the Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets [1] to win the Pakistan Super League 2026 title today.
The victory marks the second PSL title [1] for the franchise and solidifies Babar Azam's standing as a leader in the league's 11th edition.
The final took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore [3]. The match was defined by a dominant all-round performance from Hardie, who took four wickets [1] and scored 56 runs [1] to steer his team toward the championship. Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased a target of 155 runs [5] to secure the trophy.
Following the match, captain Babar Azam addressed the media regarding his future with the national team. Amid ongoing debates about his role in different game types, Azam confirmed his commitment to the full spectrum of the sport.
"I will play in all three formats," Azam said [2].
Azam also responded to the persistent comparisons between his career and that of Indian star Virat Kohli. The captain said he wants to be judged on his own merits rather than through the lens of other players' achievements.
"Stop comparing me with Virat Kohli," Azam said [3].
The win comes after a season where Azam's leadership and Hardie's versatility proved decisive in the knockout stages. The team's ability to defend and chase under pressure at the Gaddafi Stadium underscored their tactical superiority in the final [3].
“"I will play in all three formats."”
This championship reinforces Babar Azam's influence over Pakistani cricket both as a captain and a marquee player. By publicly committing to all three formats and rejecting external comparisons, Azam is attempting to pivot the narrative away from statistical rivalries and toward his own leadership legacy within the PSL.
