Why Peshawar Zalmi retained Babar Azam but released Saim Ayub?

ISLAMABAD: Peshawar Zalmi has decided to retain Babar Azam as their captain ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, while opener Saim Ayub has been released due to retention rules.

According to sources, both Babar and Saim fall in Zalmi’s Platinum category, but PSL regulations allow each franchise to retain only one player from a single category. Zalmi have therefore opted to keep Babar, prioritising leadership and experience, and are expected to let Saim go.

That decision means Saim will enter the PSL players’ auction pool, making him available to all franchises, who can bid for the left-handed opener as they look to strengthen their squads.

Franchises are expected to finalise their retained players list on Tuesday, after which the auction process for PSL 11 will begin.

The Pakistan Super League has emerged as the country’s biggest sports brand, with its international media rights value increasing by 149 per cent, PSL officials said on Tuesday.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the league is steadily strengthening its place among the world’s leading T20 competitions.

“The 149 per cent rise in international media rights is a reflection of growing global confidence in the PSL,” Naseer said, adding that the tournament continues to receive strong recognition at the international level.

He said the surge in rights value underlines the league’s expanding reach and popularity, as the PSL builds its reputation as one of the top franchises leagues in world cricket.